Texas Senate Bill SB423

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to a study regarding the costs of educating educationally disadvantaged students and students of limited English proficiency in public schools.

Impact

The study outlined in SB423 is significant as it could lead to legislative changes that may enhance funding for public schools accommodating at-risk students. If findings demonstrate that current funding is inadequate, recommendations for increased allocations could impact state education budgets. This is essential for addressing disparities in educational accessibility and ensuring that students who face language barriers or economic hardship receive equitable educational opportunities.

Summary

SB423 aims to initiate a study concerning the financial requirements for educating students who are educationally disadvantaged or have limited English proficiency in Texas public schools. This bill mandates an evaluation of whether the current compensatory education allotment and bilingual education allotment under Texas law sufficiently meet the educational costs associated with these student populations. The results of this study will provide insights into the potential need for adjustments to the funding mechanisms in place to support these vulnerable learners.

Contention

While SB423 focuses on critical aspects of educational funding, it may encounter contention among lawmakers regarding the prioritization and allocation of state resources. Discussions could arise about the effectiveness of current funding models versus proposed changes. Moreover, opponents may argue against increased funding without clear metrics of success or accountability in how funds are utilized by school districts. As the results of the study unfold, there may also be debates on how best to implement recommended adjustments to ensure that they adequately serve the intended student populations.