Texas Senate Bill SB1155

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular classroom.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort among various school personnel, including counselors, teachers, and licensed clinical social workers, to create a personalized transition plan that addresses the unique needs of each student. This includes recommendations for educational placement, behavioral management, and access to mental health services. The bill aims to improve the reintegration of students who have faced disciplinary action, thereby supporting their academic and personal development as they return to a traditional learning environment.

Summary

SB1155 introduces provisions for the transition of students from alternative education programs to regular classrooms within Texas public schools. It mandates that as soon as an alternative education program determines a student's release date, the program administrator must communicate this information to the student's parent and the receiving campus administrator. Furthermore, an assessment of the student's academic growth during the alternative program must also be provided to facilitate a smoother transition.

Contention

One notable aspect of SB1155 is its focus on providing a structured approach to transitions which may help mitigate behavioral issues in classrooms that can arise from improper reintegration of students. Critics may argue about the adequacy of resources allocated for implementation or the potential for bureaucracy to undermine the individual attention needed for effective transitions. Moreover, concerns could arise about how the effectiveness of personalized transition plans will be measured and monitored over time.