Texas Senate Bill SB2185

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring a school district to notify certain parents or guardians of a program providing students with reading disabilities the ability to borrow audiobooks free of charge.

Impact

The implementation of SB2185 is expected to improve awareness among parents and guardians regarding the support mechanisms available for students struggling with reading disabilities. By having school districts proactively notify families, the bill advocates for increased engagement and support for these students. Furthermore, it seeks to streamline access to essential resources, which aligns with efforts in Texas to bolster educational support for children with specific learning needs.

Summary

SB2185 is a legislative measure that mandates school districts in Texas to inform parents or guardians of students in certain grades about a program designed to assist students with reading disabilities. Specifically, it targets those in kindergarten or in the first, second, or seventh grades who have been identified as having dyslexia or are at risk for reading difficulties. The notification must relate to the availability of free audiobooks provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. This act aims to enhance resource accessibility for students facing reading challenges.

Contention

While the primary focus of SB2185 is on enhancing parental awareness of available resources, potential points of contention could arise regarding the effectiveness of such notifications and the responsibilities of school districts. Questions may emerge around how thoroughly and effectively school districts will implement these notification requirements, as well as the sufficiency of resources funded by the state to keep the audiobooks program sustainable. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the accessibility of such information for all parents, particularly those from diverse linguistic or economic backgrounds.