TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1455

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1455

Caption

Relating to the state virtual school network; changing a fee.

Impact

The overarching impact of SB1455 is the expansion and formalization of virtual schooling options within Texas. By requiring that all full-time virtual schools have performance ratings of at least 'C', the bill aims to elevate educational standards for online education. Furthermore, the legislation underscores the importance of accountability for virtual schools, as they will be monitored similarly to traditional schools through existing assessment protocols. This could significantly influence how schools manage digital education by encouraging them to maintain quality to avoid losing their operating authorization.

Summary

SB1455 focuses on establishing a robust framework for the state virtual school network in Texas. It modifies existing legislation to create Chapter 30B of the Education Code, which governs statewide course catalogs and full-time virtual schools. The bill aims to ensure high-quality virtual education, mandating that schools meet certain performance benchmarks to operate online education programs. In particular, it involves the administration of digital schooling and outlines responsibilities for the commissioner overseeing the network, which includes the adoption of rules and effective procedures for ensuring equitable access to virtual courses.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1455 appears to be cautiously optimistic among supporters of virtual education. Advocates welcome the increased structure and accountability that the bill introduces, viewing it as a necessary step in modernizing Texas's educational landscape amid a growing reliance on technology in education. However, there are concerns among some critics regarding the potential for stricter oversight to stifle flexibility in educational approaches and the possible financial burdens on school districts that may arise from increased regulatory requirements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include discussions about the financial implications of funding virtual education initiatives, particularly regarding how school districts will manage costs while adhering to the new regulations. Additionally, the potential for inequitable access to technology has been raised, with opponents fearing that students from low-income backgrounds may face barriers to accessing high-quality virtual education. This dialogue illustrates the tension between ensuring quality education standards and providing sufficient resources and access to all students.

Latest SB1455 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB31

Relating to virtual and off-campus electronic instruction at a public school and the allotment for certain special-purpose school districts under the Foundation School Program.

TX SB1144

Relating to enrolling a public school student in a virtual education program as an alternative to expulsion.

TX SB9

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB772

Relating to corporal punishment in public schools.

TX HB272

Relating to the terminology used to refer to certain disabilities and to an individualized education team for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for special education services and providing those services in public schools.

Similar Bills

TX SB27

Relating to the state online learning system; changing a fee.

TX SB1861

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB3141

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX SB569

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB2196

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.

TX HB681

Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.