Texas House Bill HB1983

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 2/7/23

Caption

Relating to the assessment of public school students and the provision of accelerated instruction to students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.

Impact

The bill directly affects the Education Code by requiring school districts to implement a systematic approach to address academic shortcomings among students. It establishes requirements for additional instructional support during both the school year and summer sessions for students who do not meet performance standards. Furthermore, the bill calls for specific qualifications for teachers who are tasked with instructing these students, aiming to ensure that children receive support from highly qualified individuals. The intent is to offer a robust framework for student success while addressing remedial needs effectively.

Summary

House Bill 1983 aims to enhance the educational framework for public school students in Texas by modifying the procedures regarding the assessment and accelerated instruction for students who do not achieve satisfactory performance on designated assessment instruments. Specifically, the bill mandates the establishment of an accelerated learning committee for students who fail to perform satisfactorily on key assessments, such as those administered in third, fifth, and eighth grades in mathematics and reading. This committee will include school administration and the student's parents and will focus on developing tailored instructional strategies to assist the student in improving their performance.

Sentiment

The general sentiment regarding HB 1983 appears supportive, particularly among educators and administrators who see value in structured interventions for struggling students. There is a recognition of the necessity for measures that can more effectively address educational disparities faced by students, particularly those in vulnerable populations. However, some skepticism may arise around the resource allocation required for the implementation of the bill, including concerns about whether all schools have the capacity to meet these new requirements adequately.

Contention

Notable points of contention include potential debates around how the implementation might be financed and whether sufficient resources are allocated to all school districts, especially those in underserved areas. Critics might express concerns regarding the adequacy of provisions for special education students, as well as the feasibility of creating and maintaining accelerated learning committees in every school. There may also be discussions focusing on the balance between standardized testing pressures and the need for individualized educational attention, raising questions about the effectiveness of the proposed interventions.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
  • Section: 0211

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: 023