Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1798

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

Impact

The bill proposes amendments to the Education Code, establishing participant districts and campuses that are part of the consortium. This structure allows them to apply for waivers from some existing educational regulations, fostering an environment for innovation. The commissioner's ability to charge fees for participation is a notable aspect, as it reflects a possible financial model to sustain the operation of the consortium, which some may view as a potential limitation on school district budgets. The bill emphasizes a commitment to closing achievement gaps among students and includes requirements for data reporting to ensure accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 1798 focuses on the establishment and operational framework of the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium, aimed at transforming public education in the state. The bill seeks to improve student learning through the development of innovative learning standards and assessment systems. By allowing certain school districts and charter schools to participate in this consortium, the legislation intends to provide a structured approach for educational improvement, emphasizing better learning outcomes and accountability for schools involved in this initiative.

Contention

While SB1798 appears to advance educational innovation, potential points of contention arise regarding the implications of accountability measures and local control. Questions regarding how assessments will be conducted and the means by which schools will be held accountable for student performance are crucial. Additionally, concerns over the financial burdens imposed on participant districts might arise, especially if funding is tied to performance outcomes, leading to disparities between participating and non-participating schools. Lastly, the quest for federal waivers implies an ongoing dependency on changing federal educational policies, which could complicate long-term planning for local educational authorities.

Companion Bills

TX HB948

Identical Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4691

Relating to public school accountability, including performance standards and sanctions and public high school graduation requirements.

TX HB4514

Relating to public school accountability, including the assessment of academic performance, and district and campus performance standards and sanctions.

TX SB2295

Relating to accelerated instruction provided for public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments, indicators under the public school accountability system, and performance standards in public schools.

TX HB4402

Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1474

Relating to special education in public schools, including the special education allotment under the Foundation School Program, an education savings account program for certain children with disabilities, and a grant program to reimburse public schools for the cost of certain employer contributions for retirees of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas employed to teach or provide services related to special education.

Similar Bills

TX HB948

Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

TX HB2824

Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

TX SB1557

Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

TX SB1771

Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

TX HB2209

Relating to the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium.

TX HB18

Relating to measures to support public school student academic achievement and high school, college, and career preparation.

MI SB0350

Education: examinations; funding for schools that opt out of the WorkKeys examination; allow. Amends sec. 104b of 1979 PA 94 (MCL 388.1704b).

MI HB4556

Education: examinations; certain requirements concerning the Michigan merit examination; modify. Amends sec. 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1279g).