Texas House Bill HB4317

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/9/23

Caption

Relating to the incentive for public schools that provide additional instructional days for certain students and the early education allotment under the Foundation School Program.

Impact

By enacting HB 4317, the changes would be reflected in the Education Code, amending existing statutes to allow schools that comply with the additional instructional days to receive increased average daily attendance (ADA) funding. Specifically, this modification grants financial incentives based on the number of students enrolled in prekindergarten classes, potentially leading to more resources and better support for these early education programs. This could significantly impact how schools allocate their funding and prioritize instructional strategies.

Summary

House Bill 4317 aims to incentivize public schools in Texas to extend their instructional days, particularly for students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. The bill proposes additional funding through the Foundation School Program for those schools that provide an extra 30 days of half-day instruction in addition to the standard school year, which is established over at least 175 days. This initiative seeks to enhance educational opportunities for early learners and address educational gaps by providing more instructional time for key developmental stages.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4317 appears to be favorable, especially among educators and supporters of early childhood education. Advocates argue that the additional instructional days will provide necessary learning experiences that can improve student readiness and outcomes. However, there may be concerns about the feasibility and logistics of implementing such changes across diverse school districts, particularly in lower-income areas that may struggle to meet the new requirements.

Contention

While there seems to be strong support for the intended goals of HB 4317, potential points of contention include the burden on schools to adapt to the new schedule and funding requirements, especially if they lack the resources to implement additional instructional days effectively. Some lawmakers might raise concerns about the equitable distribution of financial resources, ensuring that all schools have the means to provide enhanced educational opportunities without creating disparities among districts. Overall, the bill highlights the ongoing discussions about optimizing educational outcomes in Texas through extended learning opportunities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 48. Foundation School Program
  • Section: 0051
  • Section: 108