Texas Senate Bill SB1334

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to disproportionate discretionary disciplinary action by school districts against students of a particular race or students enrolled in a special education program.

Impact

The bill aims to foster equitable disciplinary practices within Texas schools, highlighting the need for schools to address disparities affecting students of different racial backgrounds and those with disabilities. By mandating the creation of a remediation plan and technical assistance for districts, SB1334 ensures that schools actively work toward eliminating disparities in disciplinary actions. This has the potential to significantly alter the disciplinary landscape in Texas educational institutions, ensuring that disciplinary methods are applied fairly and equitably across student demographics.

Summary

SB1334 addresses the issue of disproportionate discretionary disciplinary actions taken by school districts against students based on race and those enrolled in special education programs. The bill requires school districts to develop remediation plans if they are found to be disciplining students disproportionately, through measures such as suspensions and expulsions. The Texas Education Agency will play a significant role in monitoring these practices and providing oversight to ensure fair treatment of all students.

Contention

Some points of contention regarding SB1334 may arise from concerns about the effectiveness of mandated remediation plans and whether they can truly address deep-rooted issues of discrimination within school systems. Critics might argue that while the bill seeks to improve equity, the implementation of such measures may face challenges at the district level, particularly in terms of resources and capacity to develop and maintain comprehensive plans. Additionally, there may be debates about how to fairly assess and monitor disciplinary practices, especially in diverse school settings.