Texas House Bill HB3219

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the discipline and behavior management of a public school student.

Impact

The legislation has implications for the Texas Education Code, specifically in the sections regarding student discipline practices. By formalizing the use of behavior contracts, the bill provides a clearer path for schools to manage disciplinary issues without resorting to immediate punitive measures. This shift could potentially lead to a reduction in the number of suspensions or expulsions, as schools are given more tools to address behavioral issues, focusing on corrective measures over punitive ones. Such changes are aligned with broader educational goals of fostering a supportive learning environment.

Summary

House Bill 3219 focuses on the discipline and behavior management of public school students in Texas. This legislation seeks to enhance the current methods of student discipline by introducing a new process that allows behavior contracts for students violating the student code of conduct. According to the amendment in Section 37.0012, a campus behavior coordinator can create a contract with the student and their guardian, which outlines potential disciplinary actions that may follow continued misbehavior. This aims to promote accountability and a structured approach to managing student behavior.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve behavioral management in schools, it may raise concerns regarding the enforcement and efficacy of behavior contracts. Critics might argue that reliance on contracts could be ineffective for some students and suggest that such measures do not address underlying behavioral issues. Additionally, the proposed changes may spark debate over the adequacy of training for campus behavior coordinators on implementing and monitoring these contracts, ensuring that all students are treated equitably and that the contracts are enforced consistently.