Relating to exclusion of certain public school student disciplinary actions from reports required by state or federal law.
Impact
The proposed change under HB929 is set to come into effect starting with the 2015-2016 school year and has the potential to significantly impact how disciplinary actions are perceived and reported. By removing certain actions from the disciplinary reporting requirements, the bill aims to create a more favorable environment for students who may face disciplinary measures. Supporters of the legislation argue that it could encourage schools to manage discipline in a way that focuses on student rehabilitation rather than punishment, thereby promoting a positive school climate.
Summary
House Bill 929 seeks to amend the Texas Education Code to alter the way certain public school student disciplinary actions are reported. Specifically, the bill introduces a provision that classifies a student sent to the principal's office as not having been removed from the classroom. Consequently, this action would not be included in the data reporting required by state or federal law, such as the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). The bill aims to streamline the reporting process for schools and potentially reduce the negative stigma associated with disciplinary actions taken against students.
Contention
However, the bill may face contention regarding its implications for accountability in schools. Critics could argue that excluding these disciplinary actions from official reports may hinder transparency and create challenges in tracking student behavior patterns. Concerns may arise about ensuring that schools still maintain appropriate measures and responses to misconduct, which could affect overall school safety and discipline. This tension between encouraging supportive discipline and maintaining accountability within school systems is likely to be a key point of discussion among legislators.
Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.
Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular classroom and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.
Relating to prohibiting face covering mandates for public school students, prohibiting public schools from requiring students to provide documentation regarding certain vaccinations, and allowing public schools to screen students regarding certain infections.
Relating to the exclusion of students not lawfully present in the United States from consideration for purposes of the indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.
Relating to a psychological assessment of homicidal risk of a public school student following the student's expulsion or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program for certain conduct.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures used by a public school.
Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular educational environment, including parental rights related to that transition, and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures or restraint used by a public school.
Relating to requirements regarding certain student resources provided to public and private school students by a public or private primary or secondary school, institution of higher education, state agency, or public library.
Relating to requirements regarding certain student resources provided to public and private school students by a public or private primary or secondary school, institution of higher education, state agency, or public library.