Texas House Bill HB633

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/16/16

Caption

Relating to the applicability of student disciplinary requirements to school districts of innovation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 633 would clarify that school districts of innovation must adhere to essential student disciplinary requirements and performance standards outlined in existing law, thus maintaining certain controls over educational practices. The bill aims to strike a balance between providing districts the flexibility associated with innovation plans while ensuring they are held accountable to the same standards as traditional districts in key areas related to student conduct and educational efficacy.

Summary

House Bill 633 pertains to the applicability of student disciplinary requirements for school districts designated as districts of innovation in Texas. The bill seeks to amend existing provisions under the Education Code to affirm that innovation plans cannot fully exempt these districts from various legislative and regulatory requirements. This includes compliance with state and federal laws applicable to open-enrollment charter schools and various educational mandates covering curriculum, graduation standards, and accountability measures.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 633 might arise from the balance it seeks to establish between local autonomy in educational innovations and the oversight mandated by state laws. Proponents of the bill argue that accountability in student discipline is critical to maintaining educational integrity, while opponents may assert that overly stringent requirements could undermine the purpose of the innovation plans that aim to customize education to meet specific local needs and contexts.