Texas House Bill HB2806

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to report certain information regarding expanded learning opportunities.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2806 would significantly affect state educational policies by creating a standardized reporting requirement for all school districts. By centralizing data on expanded learning opportunities, the state aims to improve oversight and enable better resource allocation. This could potentially enhance educational outcomes by ensuring that programs are effectively utilized and that students have access to various learning modalities beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Summary

House Bill 2806 mandates that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas provide specific information regarding expanded learning opportunities. The bill amends the Education Code to require these institutions to report data through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS). This information includes the availability of expanded learning options and the number of students participating in these programs, as outlined in Section 33.252 of the Education Code. The goal of the bill is to enhance transparency and track student engagement in alternative educational opportunities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears to be generally positive among its supporters, who argue that increased reporting will lead to improved educational outcomes and accountability in public schools. Educators and advocates for expanded learning see this as a step forward in recognizing the importance of diverse educational opportunities for students. However, there may be some concerns regarding the additional administrative burden this could impose on school districts, particularly those that are already facing financial constraints.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise around the implementation of the reporting requirements, particularly in regard to the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the data submitted by schools. Critics might argue that the additional reporting obligations could divert resources away from actual educational programming, placing further strain on schools that are already operating on tight budgets. Ensuring that the data collected is actionable and leads to tangible improvements in expanded learning opportunities will be crucial to the bill's success.