Texas House Bill HB1781

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 1/27/23

Caption

Relating to evaluation under the state accountability system of school district campuses that enroll certain students who receive special education services.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1781 would amend the Texas Education Code by establishing guidelines that facilitate alternative accountability measures for specialized support campuses. The inclusion of these provisions recognizes the diverse capabilities and learning needs inherent within special education contexts. The emphasis on consultation with relevant stakeholders, such as school administrators and parents, ensures that the accountability measures are informed by those who are actively involved in the educational processes of these students.

Summary

House Bill 1781 focuses on the evaluation processes under the state accountability system specifically for school district campuses that enroll a substantial number of students receiving special education services. The bill introduces a framework which allows these specialized support campuses to develop alternative accountability plans tailored to the unique needs of their student population. This provides a structured approach, permitting schools to assess and report the performance of special education students in a manner that reflects their distinct circumstances.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1781 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for special education and inclusive education practices. Proponents argue that the bill addresses longstanding challenges faced by specialized campuses, enabling them to demonstrate their effectiveness in ways that traditional accountability metrics may overlook. Conversely, there may be some concerns regarding the potential for variability in accountability standards, which could impact the comparability of performance data across different campuses.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise around the implementation of alternative accountability plans. While these plans aim to provide a more accurate assessment of student performance, they may also lead to disagreements on what constitutes effective evaluation criteria. The bill's provision for public comment in the rule-setting process is designed to mitigate these concerns; however, the debate could continue as stakeholders strive for a balance between accountability and the tailored approaches necessary for effectively serving special education students.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: New Section