Texas Senate Bill SB1389

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to remote learning programs provided by school districts and the calculation of average daily attendance in public schools.

Impact

The passage of SB1389 will directly affect existing state laws surrounding education by providing clear guidelines for remote learning. It modifies the Educational Code to allow remote-day attendance to count towards average daily attendance and funding, ensuring districts do not lose financial support as a result of lesser in-person presence. This means districts can secure necessary funding based on the number of students engaged in remote learning, equating their attendance to that of traditional classrooms, thereby fostering greater educational flexibility.

Summary

SB1389 is a legislative act aimed at formalizing remote learning programs within Texas public schools. The bill allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools to establish remote learning programs and includes provisions for calculating attendance based on students' participation in such programs. By permitting remote learning, the bill acknowledges the evolving nature of education, especially in light of recent shifts towards technology-based instruction that became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This law marks a significant advance in integrating flexible learning options into the standard education framework in Texas.

Contention

While the introduction of SB1389 is largely seen as a positive step towards modernizing the educational landscape, it is expected to invoke some points of contention as well. Concerns may arise regarding the quality of education that remote learners receive compared to their in-class counterparts, especially for students who require special education services. In essence, there are worries about the adequacy of remote instruction in meeting diverse student needs and ensuring proper educational standards. Critics may argue that this shift could potentially lead to disparities in educational outcomes, depending on the resources and commitment of individual districts.