Texas Senate Bill SB2071

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the first day of instruction for an open-enrollment charter school.

Impact

The provisions of SB2071 aim to enhance the regulatory framework governing open-enrollment charter schools. By clarifying existing requirements for charters, the bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with state mandates, thereby aligning charter schools more closely with public school performance and accountability standards. It also attempts to address concerns about educational quality and oversight in the charter school system.

Summary

SB2071 introduces provisions relating to the first day of instruction for open-enrollment charter schools in Texas. The bill amends Section 12.104(b) of the Education Code to clarify that charter schools are subject to various specified regulatory requirements concerning public education. This includes adherence to standards for criminal history records, reading instruments, and accountability measures, designed to ensure that charter schools meet the same educational standards as traditional public schools.

Contention

However, the bill has sparked debates among stakeholders concerning the appropriateness of imposing such regulations on charter schools, which are designed to operate with a degree of flexibility. Proponents argue that ensuring compliance with specific educational standards is necessary for the equitable treatment of all public education institutions, while opponents maintain that increased regulation may hinder the operational independence that charter schools were intended to enjoy. This could potentially limit their ability to innovate in teaching and curriculum development.