Texas House Bill HB1069

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to compliance with prohibitions regarding the use of common core state standards in public schools.

Impact

The immediate effect of HB1069 would be to institutionalize a mandate that aligns Texas public education with state-specific standards, distancing it from nationally recognized standards like Common Core. The State Board of Education is tasked with adopting procedures to monitor this compliance, which implies a new layer of accountability for school districts. The bill signifies a substantial shift in educational policy that seeks to promote state-centric educational ideals as opposed to a one-size-fits-all national standard.

Summary

House Bill 1069 aims to prohibit public schools in Texas from using Common Core State Standards as part of their instructional framework. By amending Section 28.002(b-3) of the Texas Education Code, the bill provides explicit legislative guidance that school districts cannot comply with the requirement to provide instruction based on these standards. This is a part of the broader ongoing debate regarding educational content and methods across the state, reflecting significant political and educational priorities regarding local control over curricula.

Contention

Supporters of the bill argue that it reinforces Texas's educational sovereignty and protects local control over instruction methods. They contend that adopting Common Core could undermine the unique educational needs and preferences of Texas students. Opponents, however, express concerns that this move may limit educational resources and pedagogical flexibility, potentially creating a less comprehensive educational experience for students. The clash between local control and central educational standards is a focal point of contention within the educational community in Texas.