Texas Senate Bill SB421

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to participation of certain school districts in the three-year high school diploma plan pilot program.

Impact

If enacted, SB421 is expected to significantly alter the high school diploma landscape within the state by creating an alternative pathway for graduation. The bill’s provisions would enable certain districts to implement changes that could adapt their curriculum and graduation requirements to suit the needs of their diverse student populations. This could potentially increase graduation rates in targeted districts and provide students with quicker access to higher education and employment opportunities.

Summary

Senate Bill 421 proposes amendments to the Texas Education Code to allow certain school districts to participate in a three-year high school diploma plan pilot program. This initiative aims to provide an expedited diploma pathway for students, promoting faster completion of high school education. The bill targets large school districts with more than 150,000 students, particularly those located in counties with population parameters defined in the text, which includes one bordering the Gulf of Mexico or areas adjacent to those with significant populations.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the effectiveness and implementation of the three-year diploma plan pilot program. Critics might question whether such a program could adequately prepare students for post-secondary education or the workforce in just three years compared to the traditional four-year curriculum. Additionally, there could be debates surrounding the selection criteria for eligible districts and whether the program could exacerbate existing inequalities in resource allocation among Texas school districts.