Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1194

Caption

Relating to academic accountability ratings for certain school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and contracted entities that offer full-time online programs through the state virtual school network and revocation of approval to operate or contract to operate those programs.

Impact

One of the notable stipulations of SB1194 is that if a contracted entity receives low accountability ratings (D or F) for three consecutive years, the school district or charter school must revoke their contract. This provision is intended to enhance accountability by holding contracting entities to higher standards and ensuring that students receive a quality education. The inclusion of a list of subpar entities on the state virtual school network website is also designed to inform potential users and institutions about service quality and compliance issues concerning online education providers.

Summary

SB1194 seeks to amend the Education Code in Texas to establish new academic accountability ratings specifically for school districts and open-enrollment charter schools that contract entities to operate full-time online programs. The bill mandates these school entities to regularly report information about their contracted online services, including the identity of the entities and financial performance, akin to standard operational campuses. This accountability framework is aimed at ensuring that online educational entities maintain a certain standard of performance, encouraging quality in education delivery.

Contention

Discussions around SB1194 may bring various points of contention, particularly regarding the robustness of the measures for accountability and the potential implications for educational access. Advocates argue that by implementing strict performance-based standards, the bill will drive up the quality of online educational offerings and help protect students from poorly performing online programs. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the risk of limiting educational options for students who thrive in online learning environments, particularly if certain providers are excluded, thereby potentially curbing access to vital educational resources for some demographics.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4977

Relating to the operation of open-enrollment charter schools, including enrollment procedures and the applicability of certain laws to open-enrollment charter schools.

TX HB531

Relating to the management and operation of open-enrollment charter schools, including certain contracts involving management and operation.

TX HB2203

Relating to the management, operation, and contract authority of open-enrollment charter schools.

TX HB1462

Relating to a local remote learning program offered by certain school districts or open-enrollment charter schools.

TX HB4732

Relating to the authority of a school district to contract with an open-enrollment charter school to operate certain district campuses.

TX SB822

Relating to the establishment of a grant program for school districts or open-enrollment charter school campuses that are designated as full-service community schools.

TX SB54

Relating to the establishment of a grant program for school districts or open-enrollment charter school campuses that are designated as full-service community schools.

TX SB15

Relating to the establishment of a grant program for school districts or open-enrollment charter school campuses that are designated as full-service community schools.

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 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.

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