Texas House Bill HB228

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/10/14

Caption

Relating to the optional flexible school day program provided by school districts.

Impact

The introduction of HB228 is expected to significantly impact state education laws by broadening the parameters within which school districts can operate regarding student attendance and engagement. By allowing flexibility in the number of hours and days a student attends, the bill facilitates a more adaptable learning environment. This could potentially reduce dropout rates by enabling at-risk students to maintain their connection to education through customized schedules that accommodate their personal circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 228 aims to enhance educational opportunities by establishing an optional flexible school day program for school districts in Texas. This program is targeted primarily at students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out, as well as those attending schools implementing innovative redesigns or early college high school initiatives. The bill provides school districts with the flexibility to tailor attendance schedules to fit the unique needs and situations of these students, thus allowing them to earn class credits more effectively.

Contention

Notably, some critics may raise concerns about the potential implications of such a flexible program on overall educational standards and accountability. While the intent of HB228 is to support vulnerable student populations, detractors may worry that increased flexibility could lead to disparities in educational quality. Furthermore, there may be questions regarding the adequacy of funding measures as outlined in the bill, especially concerning academic performance metrics and how attendance is calculated for state funding purposes.