Relating to the period for which a public school student may be placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled.
Impact
The proposed amendments would significantly impact how school districts implement disciplinary measures. By narrowing the conditions under which a student can be placed in alternative education or expelled, the bill aims to protect students' rights and ensure fair treatment in disciplinary processes. This could lead to a rise in the number of students receiving leniency in disciplinary actions, particularly for minor infractions, thus changing the landscape of school discipline across Texas. The change seeks to promote a more uniform approach to discipline that could enhance educational environments.
Summary
House Bill 4651 aims to amend the Education Code regarding the duration for which a public school student may be placed in a disciplinary alternative education program or expelled. The bill seeks to clarify the guidelines that school districts must follow when implementing disciplinary measures. This includes specifying the decision-making process for such placements and ensuring that various factors, such as self-defense, intent, and the student's background, are considered before taking action against a student. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining a code of conduct in schools that aligns with these guidelines.
Contention
Opponents of HB 4651 may argue that loosening the reins on disciplinary measures could disrupt school safety and reduce the authority of administrators to maintain order. Concerns may also arise about the effectiveness of alternative education programs if students are less likely to be removed from classrooms for behavioral issues. Proponents, on the other hand, contend that the reforms are necessary to address disparities in disciplinary actions and ensure that students are treated equitably, regardless of their backgrounds. This tension between safety and student rights will likely be a point of contention in the ongoing discussions about the bill.
Relating to procedures for the suspension, expulsion, or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or juvenile justice alternative education program of a public school student enrolled in a school district.
Relating to a psychological assessment of homicidal risk of a public school student following the student's expulsion or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program for certain conduct.
Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular classroom and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.
Relating to a public school student's transition from an alternative education program to a regular educational environment, including parental rights related to that transition, and the admission of certain students with a criminal or disciplinary history.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures used by a public school.
Relating to information reported through the Public Education Information Management System and to parents regarding disciplinary measures or restraint used by a public school.
Relating to establishing a pilot program in designated public high schools in certain municipalities for placement of students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.
Relating to placement of public school students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative in certain circumstances to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.
Relating to procedures for the suspension, expulsion, or placement in a disciplinary alternative education program or juvenile justice alternative education program of a public school student enrolled in a school district.
Relating to placement of public school students with certain disabilities in disciplinary alternative education programs and juvenile justice alternative education programs.
Relating to establishing a pilot program in designated public high schools in certain municipalities for placement of students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.
Relating to establishing a pilot program in designated public high schools in certain municipalities for placement of students in Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs as an alternative to placement in disciplinary or juvenile justice alternative education programs.