Texas House Bill HB175

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to a study regarding the costs of educating students of limited English proficiency in public schools.

Impact

If enacted, HB 175 would instruct the Texas education agency to prepare a detailed report by January 1, 2018, focusing on the financial requirements for effectively educating students who are English language learners. This report would be crucial in informing policymakers about the effectiveness of current funding allocations and whether they align with the actual costs incurred by schools. The findings could lead to legislative changes regarding funding formulas and educational approaches tailored for limited English proficiency students.

Summary

House Bill 175 focuses on assessing the costs involved in educating students with limited English proficiency in Texas public schools. The primary aim of this legislation is to conduct a thorough study to evaluate whether the current bilingual education allotment is sufficient in meeting the needs of these students. The bill outlines specific areas of investigation, such as determining the adequacy of the existing funding models and identifying potential adjustments to improve educational outcomes for this demographic.

Contention

There may be some debate regarding the adequacy of the bilingual education allotment as this bill could lead to increased state expenditure if it is found that the current funding is insufficient. Additionally, points of contention may arise over detailed recommendations found in the final report, particularly if the study suggests measures that involve changes to teaching methodologies or school operations. The outcomes of this evaluation may bring about discussions on resource allocation among different educational needs, ultimately influencing the broader landscape of public education funding in Texas.