Texas House Bill HB2890

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the terminology used to refer to an individualized education program team.

Impact

The legislative modifications introduced by HB 2890 will have significant implications for the administration of special education services in Texas. Notably, the bill mandates state agencies and legislative bodies to adopt the newer terminology in relevant documents, thus reinforcing the rights of students with disabilities to receive appropriate educational support. Additionally, the clarifications aimed at ensuring that administrative processes conform to both state and federal standards may enhance accountability and improve service delivery to affected students.

Summary

House Bill 2890 aims to standardize terminology in Texas state law by replacing the outdated term 'admission, review, and dismissal committee' with 'individualized education program team' or 'IEP team.' This change aligns with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which utilizes the term 'IEP team' to describe the group responsible for developing, reviewing, and revising an individualized education program for students with disabilities. By implementing these changes, the bill intends to create consistency and clarity in communications related to special education services across various educational and legal contexts.

Contention

While the bill's intent is to update outdated language, there may be concerns among stakeholders regarding the transition process to the new terminology. Critics may argue about the potential confusion or the need for retraining for educators and administrative staff on the new terms. However, supporters contend that the legislative update is a necessary step towards adhering to federal guidelines and properly advocating for the educational needs of children with disabilities, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to effective learning.