Texas Senate Bill SB2065

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to emergent bilingual students and increasing the expenditure requirement for the bilingual education allotment.

Impact

The legislation is expected to strengthen the provision of bilingual education and special language programs by mandating that at least 90% of allocated funds must be used directly for delivering these educational services. By augmenting the financial resources available for such programs, SB2065 aims to improve the quality of education received by emergent bilingual students, helping them achieve better learning outcomes and integration into the mainstream educational system. This change addresses the continuous challenges faced by schools in meeting the needs of a diverse student population.

Summary

Senate Bill 2065 seeks to address the educational needs of emergent bilingual students in Texas by increasing the funding and expenditure requirements for bilingual education programs. The bill amends various sections of the Education Code pertaining to the obligations of school districts in providing bilingual and special language services to students whose primary language is not English. A key component of the bill is the increase in the allotment a district receives for each emergent bilingual student, thereby incentivizing schools to enhance their bilingual education offerings.

Contention

While the bill aims to bolster support for emergent bilingual students, it may face opposition from certain stakeholders who argue about the allocation of funds and resources. Critics might express concerns about the overall effectiveness of increased funding if not paired with rigorous oversight and accountability measures. They may also highlight potential disparities in how district administrators implement the new requirements, potentially leading to uneven educational opportunities across the state.