Texas House Bill HB2210

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the consideration for public school accountability purposes of certain students who reside in a state hospital and receive educational services provided by a school district.

Impact

With the passage of HB 2210, public school districts are now required to amend their memoranda of understanding with state hospitals, ensuring that the performance of students receiving education in these facilities is factored into the school's accountability ratings. The law extends to any agreements entered into before, on, or after the bill’s effective date. As such, it has immediate implications for school districts as they reevaluate their accountability systems to include these often-overlooked students.

Summary

House Bill 2210 focuses on enhancing the accountability measures in public schools by addressing the educational services provided to students residing in state hospitals. The bill mandates that students receiving educational services from a school district while in a state hospital must have their performance assessments included in the district's accountability calculations. This initiative aims to ensure that these students, often facing unique challenges, are adequately represented in educational performance metrics.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 2210 appears to be positive, with broad bipartisan support evidenced by its near-unanimous voting history. Legislators recognized the importance of inclusion for students in state hospitals and the need for accountability across all student populations. The bill's passage indicates a collective commitment to ensuring that all students receive adequate educational support and are evaluated fairly.

Contention

Despite its supportive reception, some concerns may arise about the implications of including state hospital student assessments in school district accountability metrics. Critics may argue that this could disproportionately affect schools in areas with high state hospital populations, potentially leading to lower accountability ratings for these districts. However, the intent behind the bill remains clear: to advocate for the educational rights and recognition of students in state institutions, asserting that their progress is vital to comprehensive educational accountability.