Relating to a grant available to school districts to provide services to students residing in care and treatment facilities and residential placement facilities.
Impact
By facilitating grants for districts that lack adequate funding for educating students in care facilities, HB 2449 aims to strengthen educational support for some of the most underserved populations within Texas schools. It mandates that these students are educated in the least restrictive environment that meets their needs, aligning with best practices in educational equity. The bill stands to positively influence the educational landscape for children in unstable living arrangements, potentially improving their academic experiences and outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 2449 provides for a grant program aimed at assisting school districts in Texas with the costs associated with educating students who reside in care and treatment facilities, as well as those in residential placement facilities. The bill amendments specifically add Section 29.0181 to Chapter 29 of the Education Code, creating a framework for school districts to apply for funding to cover educational services for these students, especially when existing state and federal funds are insufficient. The bill reflects an effort to ensure that students in vulnerable living situations receive appropriate educational resources.
Sentiment
General sentiment around HB 2449 tends to be positive, especially among advocates for children's education and welfare. Supporters view the bill as a necessary step towards addressing the specific educational needs of students who may otherwise face significant obstacles to learning. While there may be concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of such grants and the administrative capacity for districts to manage the additional funding, the consensus favors ensuring that these students have access to quality education.
Contention
Notable points of contention around the bill center on the adequacy of funding mechanisms and the ability of districts to effectively utilize the grants. Critics question whether the appropriations will be sufficient given the unique needs and challenges faced by students in care and treatment facilities. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the monitoring and regulation of the grant program to ensure that the funds are being used effectively to genuinely improve educational services rather than just offsetting existing costs.
Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or qualified residential treatment program.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
Relating to allowing school districts to make available certain school safety training courses to employees of certain private schools, child-care facilities, or organizations providing out-of-school-time care.
Relating to allowing school districts to make available certain school safety training courses to employees of certain private schools, child-care facilities, or organizations providing out-of-school-time care.
Relating to policies and procedures regarding children placed by the Department of Family and Protective Services in a residential treatment center or program.
Relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.
Relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.
County board required to notify child's resident district and serving district of placement for care and treatment, definitions of legal residence for a child with a disability or without a disability placed in foster facility modified.