Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4407

Caption

Relating to a parental option to request the return to or retention at a certain grade level for a public school student whose education was disrupted by the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4407 would modify existing education laws in Texas to accommodate parents' requests for grade-level retention, thereby expanding parental rights regarding educational decisions during extraordinary circumstances. School districts and charter schools are mandated to inform parents about this option and must comply with requests made by the specified deadline, enhancing the involvement of families in educational planning during recovery from the pandemic's impact. This change emphasizes adaptability within the education system to better support students in distress following the unprecedented educational disruption.

Summary

House Bill 4407 introduces provisions allowing parents or legal guardians to request the return to or retention of their child at a certain grade level due to disruptions in education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill allows such requests to be made for the 2021-2022 school year, giving parents the authority to determine if their child should repeat a grade level based on their assessment of the child's educational progress during the pandemic. This legislation is aimed at supporting students who may struggle with the effects of the interrupted schooling caused by the pandemic.

Contention

While there may be broad agreement on the need for flexibility in educational practices due to COVID-19, the implementation of HB 4407 may spark discussions about its adequacy and efficacy. Notable points of contention could arise regarding the timing and extent of parental notifications, the criteria for assessing a child's readiness to advance to a new grade level, and the potential for inconsistency in how districts apply the provisions. Stakeholders, including educators and policy analysts, may voice concerns about balancing equitable educational opportunities with the pressures of grade progression amidst ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4230

Relating to class size limits for certain grade levels in public schools.

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 HB1155

Relating to parental rights in public education and prohibiting instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity for certain public school students.

TX HB3928

Relating to dyslexia evaluations and services for public school students, the provision of services for students with dyslexia and related disorders, and certain parental notice regarding the rights of parents of public school students with disabilities.

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 SB58

Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators and assistance provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators and to certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.

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 SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

TX SB77

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

TX HB890

Relating to parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.