Texas House Bill HB3828

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to accreditation interventions and sanctions.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts Texas education laws by enforcing stricter regulations on school performance and establishing a clear pathway for intervention in cases of low performance. It requires districts to develop turnaround plans that must be approved by the commissioner and stipulates the involvement of various stakeholders, including parents and the local community. Such measures are designed to create pressure on districts to improve their academic results, thereby elevating overall educational standards throughout the state.

Summary

House Bill 3828 addresses accreditation interventions and sanctions for school districts in Texas. The bill introduces several provisions aimed at enhancing accountability and improving the performance of underachieving school campuses. Under this legislation, if a school district fails to meet specific accreditation criteria or is rated as unacceptable, the Texas Education Commissioner will implement a series of accountability measures. These measures include public notices of deficiencies, hearings to discuss performance, and requirements for the establishment of improvement plans tailored to address shortcomings.

Contention

While proponents of HB 3828 argue that these measures will help ensure that all students receive a quality education, opponents raise concerns about the implications of such strict accountability requirements. There are fears that the emphasis on performance ratings could lead to excessive pressure on schools, potentially compromising the quality of education in the quest for improved metrics. Additionally, there are worries that the powers vested in the commissioner to enact sanctions and appoint management teams may undermine local control over school governance, as communities might be stripped of direct decision-making authority regarding their schools.