Relating to the prohibition of corporal punishment as a method of student discipline.
Impact
If enacted, HB 990 would significantly change the disciplinary landscape for Texas schools, mandating that educators cannot employ corporal punishment under any circumstance without prior written permission. This act would reinforce existing protections for students, aligning state regulations with contemporary views on education and discipline, shifting the focus towards restorative practices and counseling instead of punitive physical measures.
Summary
House Bill 990 proposes to prohibit corporal punishment as a method of student discipline within Texas educational institutions. The bill seeks to amend the Texas Education Code by establishing clearer guidelines against the use of corporal punishment, effectively reinforcing the rights of students and promoting alternative disciplinary measures. The proposed changes aim to create a safer environment for all students by eliminating physical punishment from the educational discipline framework.
Contention
Discussions around HB 990 have pointed to notable contention among lawmakers. Supporters argue that eliminating corporal punishment is a necessary step to modernize educational discipline and protect students' rights, while opponents may argue that some forms of corporal punishment can be necessary for maintaining order and discipline in schools. Furthermore, there is concern regarding the autonomy of local schools to implement their own policies regarding student discipline, which raises questions about local versus state governance.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures or restraint used by a public school.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures used by a public school.
Relating to requiring a school district or open-enrollment charter school to report data regarding certain disciplinary or law enforcement actions taken against students.
Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.
Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.
Relating to ensuring continuity of education for homeless children and foster care youth and access to higher education, career information, and skills certification for foster care youth and former foster care youth.
Relating to ensuring continuity of education and access to higher education, career information, and skills certification for foster care youth and former foster care youth.