Texas House Bill HB3710

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to providing school districts electronic tutorials for certain end-of-course assessment instruments required for graduation.

Impact

The implementation of HB 3710 could substantially benefit Texas school districts by easing the financial burden of tutoring services. The bill stipulates that school districts shall not incur any fees for accessing these tutorials, which could provide a significant cost-saving measure for underfunded educational institutions. Furthermore, the availability of these resources is expected to facilitate better student preparedness, thus promoting academic success and graduation while ensuring compliance with state education standards.

Summary

House Bill 3710 is an initiative aimed at enhancing educational support in Texas by providing school districts with electronic tutorials for specific end-of-course assessment instruments that are mandatory for student graduation. The bill mandates the Texas Education Agency to create three two-hour electronic tutorials for designated assessment instruments, ensuring that students have access to essential review materials in preparation for these assessments. This measure is intended to improve student performance and graduation rates by offering supplemental educational resources directly aligned with state testing requirements.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 3710 appears to be positive among educators and lawmakers who understand the value of supplemental educational resources. Supporters argue that this initiative represents a proactive approach to improving educational outcomes, particularly in districts that may struggle with funding for additional tutoring programs. However, there may be some concerns regarding the execution and effectiveness of online tutorials compared to traditional instructional methods, which could lead to discussions about quality and engagement in digital learning environments.

Contention

While HB 3710 has garnered support for its intent to assist students, potential points of contention may include the adequacy of funding appropriated for its implementation, as the bill makes clear that the availability of these tutorials is contingent on specific legislative appropriations. Additionally, questions may arise regarding the selection of the 'end-of-course' assessments that will be supported by the tutorials and whether the resources provided will meet diverse student needs effectively.