Texas House Bill HB374

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

• Filed: 11/24/14

Caption

Relating to requiring State Board of Education approval to offer advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses in public high schools.

Impact

The introduction of HB 374 could significantly influence educational standards in Texas by enforcing a uniformity in the curriculum concerning AP and IB courses across public high schools. Supporters argue that this move will enhance the quality of education, ensuring that only well-prepared courses are available to students. It aims to maintain educational rigor and integrity within the state's schools by allowing the State Board of Education to oversee these advanced courses.

Summary

House Bill 374 aims to streamline the process for public high schools in Texas to offer advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB) courses. The bill mandates that no school district can offer these courses without obtaining prior approval from the State Board of Education. This requirement is intended to ensure that the courses provided comply with the essential knowledge and skills appropriate to their respective subjects and grade levels.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, the bill may also face criticism and pushback from various stakeholders in the educational community. Some educators and district administrators may argue that this legislation could limit local control over educational offerings, making it more difficult for schools to tailor their programs to the needs of their students. There is a concern that the approval process may be cumbersome and slow, potentially delaying access to advanced courses for students who could benefit from them.

Implementation

The provisions of HB 374 are set to take effect at the start of the 2015-2016 school year, reflecting the urgency with which the legislature seeks to implement this oversight. The overall effectiveness of this bill will likely depend on the rules set forth by the State Board of Education for the course approval process and how well they balance quality control with the need for local educational flexibility.