Texas Senate Bill SB160

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to a prohibition of a monitoring system performance indicator based solely on the number or percentage of students receiving special education services.

Impact

The bill introduces an important change in how educational assessments are conducted by disallowing a single metric focused solely on special education enrollment. This change is expected to encourage a more comprehensive framework for evaluating educational institutions that takes into account various factors affecting student performance. The legislation also aligns with federal regulations aimed at addressing significant disproportionality in special education services, fostering a more informed approach to identifying and serving students with disabilities.

Summary

SB160 aims to prohibit the use of a performance indicator that solely measures the number or percentage of students receiving special education services in school districts and charter schools in Texas. The intention behind this legislation is to prevent a simplistic and potentially harmful assessment measure from being employed in educational agency monitoring systems. By doing so, the bill seeks to promote a more nuanced understanding of educational performance and the diverse needs of students, particularly those with disabilities.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB160 has been supportive, particularly among advocates for special education who believe that the bill will contribute to addressing disparities in how students with disabilities are treated in the educational system. Supporters argue that relying solely on participation percentages does not reflect the effectiveness of educational programs or the quality of education provided to special education students. Conversely, there may be concerns from some educational administrators regarding the implications for monitoring and accountability, as the traditional metrics might be deemed insufficient under the new guidelines.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB160 center on the balance between accountability and flexibility in educational assessments. While proponents emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach to evaluate schools, opponents may argue that removing specific performance indicators could hinder efforts to ensure quality education for special education students. The debate highlights the ongoing challenges in the education system regarding how best to assess and improve educational outcomes for all students, especially those with unique needs.