TX
Texas House Bill HB4870

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4870

Filed
3/10/23  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.

Impact

Upon implementation, HB 4870 is expected to change the current educational landscape by standardizing advanced mathematics offerings across the state. The bill stipulates that sixth graders in the top 40% of their class, based on performance metrics, will be automatically enrolled in advanced mathematics courses unless their parents opt out. This requirement aims to foster a stronger foundation in mathematics, presumably leading to higher completion rates in advanced courses during high school, thus enhancing overall student achievement in STEM fields.

Summary

House Bill 4870 aims to enhance the mathematical competencies of middle school students in Texas by mandating that each school district and open-enrollment charter school develop an advanced mathematics program. This initiative responds to the educational gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, where students faced significant delays in learning. The program's design is targeted to ensure that students who excel in math are capable of taking Algebra I by the eighth grade, thereby promoting early engagement with advanced mathematical concepts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 4870 appears predominantly positive among educational advocates and organizations. Supporters argue that the bill represents a proactive approach to address educational disparities worsened by the pandemic. They view the automatic enrollment provision as a beneficial mechanism to identify and push capable students towards advanced study, fostering an inclusive environment while ensuring that no talented student slips through the cracks. However, there is an acknowledgment of the need for proper support systems to help all students succeed in advanced mathematics courses.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the automatic enrollment aspect of the bill. While proponents believe it removes barriers for high-achieving students, opponents may argue that it imposes undue pressure on students and raises concerns about readiness for such advanced placement. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of resources and teacher preparedness to support an increase in advanced mathematics enrollment could provoke further debate among educators and policymakers.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

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

Companion Bills

TX SB2124

Identical Relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.

Previously Filed As

TX SB2124

Relating to an advanced mathematics program for public school students in middle school.

TX SB2252

Relating to measures to support kindergarten readiness and early literacy and numeracy skills for public school students, including an early childhood parental support program and prekindergarten programs in public schools, and to funding under the Foundation School Program for certain school districts and to support those measures.

TX HB2686

School boards; certain advanced or accelerated mathematics opportunities.

TX SB171

Alabama Numeracy Act, established for K-5 public school students, Elementary Mathematics Task force and Postsecondary Mathematics Task Forces created, Office of Mathematics Improvement created, use of assessments, intervention services, summer programs, and mathematics coaches provided, use of Common Core State Standards in K-12 schools terminated and prohibited

TX HSB219

A bill for an act relating to mathematics instruction, including by requiring school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools to develop an advanced mathematics pathway that is designed to enable students to succeed in courses related to algebra in grade eight.

TX HB2773

Relating to the Texas Teach Corps Scholarship Program for students who agree to teach in public schools in this state that have shortages of teachers in mathematics or science.

TX HB2609

Advanced mathematics courses; student enrollment

TX SB554

Public schools: adult school students: Advanced Scholastic and Vocational Training Program.

TX HB3571

Relating to a program to provide financial incentives to students who agree to teach mathematics or science in certain public schools.

TX HB2928

Relating to the creation and administration of the public high school mathematics and science teachers undergraduate education scholarship program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.