Relating to creation and funding of professional charter academies which are owned and operated by highly qualified teaching professionals in Texas and authorizing the commissioner of education to adopt rules to administer and fund the professional charter academy program.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1278 will amend the Education Code by adding a new subchapter dedicated to professional charter academies. These academies will operate independently under the jurisdiction of a set of specific laws distinct from traditional charter schools. This separation is significant as it may lead to a proliferation of new educational models that are founded and managed by experienced educators, ultimately influencing how education is delivered in the state.
Summary
House Bill 1278 proposes the establishment and funding of professional charter academies in Texas, which are intended to be operated and owned by highly qualified teaching professionals. The bill aims to empower these education professionals, who must meet specific requirements, to create and innovate educational programs tailored to the needs of their students. It represents a shift towards allowing educators greater control and ownership over their teaching environments, akin to other professional sectors.
Contention
The proposal has sparked discussion regarding its implications for public education systems in Texas. Supporters argue that the bill supports innovation in education and gives seasoned teachers the ability to lead and create impactful educational experiences without the bureaucratic constraints often present in public schools. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the financial sustainability of such academies and the potential diversion of public funds away from traditional public schools, arguing that this might undermine the stability of the overall public education system.
Relating to an alternative qualified early learning grant program administered by the commissioner of education and funding for prekindergarten and kindergarten programs under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the elimination of certain property taxes for school district maintenance and operations and the provision of public education funding by increasing the rates of certain state taxes.
Relating to the provision of virtual education in public schools and to certain waivers and modifications by the commissioner of education to the method of calculating average daily attendance in an emergency or crisis for purposes of preserving school district funding entitlements under the Foundation School Program during that emergency or crisis; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to policies, procedures, and measures for school safety and mental health promotion in public schools and the creation of the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium.
Relating to abolishing the Texas Department of Rural Affairs and transferring its functions to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Department of State Health Services, and Department of Agriculture.