Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB424

Caption

Relating to a continuing review and revision of the essential knowledge and skills of the public school foundation curriculum and proclamations for the production of instructional materials.

Impact

If enacted, HB424 will lead to significant amendments in the Education Code, with a particular emphasis on how the State Board of Education aligns curriculum content with practical instructional capabilities. As part of this mandate, the board is restricted from issuing new proclamations for instructional materials unless the costs do not exceed certain thresholds in relation to the state's funding for instructional materials. This fiscal prudence aims to manage resources effectively and ensure that educational materials are both relevant and financially feasible.

Summary

House Bill 424 focuses on the ongoing review and revision of the essential knowledge and skills within Texas's public school foundation curriculum. The bill mandates that the State Board of Education conduct a comprehensive review of these essential knowledge and skills, ensuring they remain relevant and effective for each subject and grade level. The key objective is to narrow down the number and scope of student expectations while ensuring they can be mastered in a reasonable amount of instructional time, facilitating better student learning outcomes.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB424 appears to be constructive, with legislative discussions reflecting support for streamlining the educational process and improving the relevance of the curriculum. Proponents of the bill argue it recognizes the need for updates to the educational framework, ensuring that student learning is adequately supported and aligned with career readiness standards. The broad support in voting history, as reflected by the unanimous passage in the House, suggests a general consensus on the bill’s objectives.

Contention

While there seems to be widespread support for HB424, notable points of contention could arise regarding the extent of the revisions to student expectations. Some critics may argue that narrowing the curriculum could lead to a reduction in educational rigor or restrict educational opportunities for students who may benefit from a broader learning scope. Balancing the desire for focused learning with the need for comprehensive education remains a critical point of discussion, as lawmakers navigate the challenges of educational reform.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1605

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.

TX SB2565

Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and creating allotments for the procurement of certain instructional materials under the Foundation School Program; authorizing a fee.

TX SB1954

Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the public school foundational curriculum for civics education and social studies.

TX HB5104

Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum for public school students.

TX SB2141

Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum for public school students.

TX HB1291

Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum for certain public school students.

TX HB1837

Relating to the appointment of members to a committee established to review and make recommendations for revisions to the essential knowledge and skills of the public school required curriculum.

TX HB4245

Relating to the revision of the essential knowledge and skills of the public school social studies curricula to include instruction relating to the history of persons with disabilities.

TX SB670

Relating to the revision of the essential knowledge and skills of the public school social studies curricula to include instruction relating to the history of persons with disabilities.

TX HB4097

Relating to the acceptable uses of the instructional materials and technology fund and the review of certain instructional materials by the State Board of Education.

Similar Bills

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TX HB2811

Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the required public school curriculum, the administration of and reports relating to assessment instruments administered to public school students, the instructional materials allotment, and proclamations for the production of instructional materials.

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Relating to a revision of the essential knowledge and skills of the public school foundation curriculum and proclamations for the production of instructional materials.

TX HB663

Relating to proclamations for the production of instructional materials and selection of instructional materials by public schools.

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Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the required public school curriculum, the administration of and reports relating to assessment instruments administered to public school students, the instructional materials allotment, and proclamations for the production of instructional materials.