Texas House Bill HB267

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the attendance calculation for elementary grade levels.

Impact

The most notable impact of HB 267 is its effect on how local educational agencies report attendance. With the amendment in place, LEAs will now calculate average daily attendance based on final enrollment figures rather than other metrics that may have been previously in use. This change could lead to a more accurate reflection of student attendance, which is crucial for funding and resource allocation within the education system.

Summary

House Bill 267 aims to amend the attendance calculation criteria for elementary grade levels, specifically targeting grades kindergarten through fifth grade. By modifying Section 42.005 of the education code, the bill states that average daily attendance will be equal to the final enrollment numbers reported annually by Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to the Public Education Information Management System. This change is designed to provide a more streamlined and equitable method for calculating attendance that directly correlates with actual enrollment data.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward, it may raise questions regarding its implementation and the potential implications for educational funding. Some education advocates may express concerns that reliance solely on enrollment data could overlook other essential factors affecting attendance, such as student mobility or the quality of education provided. Moreover, the bill does not specify how this change may impact funding formulas that rely on attendance rates, which could lead to disparities if not closely monitored.