Relating to social workers employed by school districts.
Impact
The new provisions earmarked by SB201 will require school social workers to significantly engage with various stakeholders, including district administrators, teachers, parents, and the community. The bill stipulates that social workers must devote at least 80% of their working hours to activities that enhance students' learning environments and contribute to safety and violence prevention strategies. This emphasis is intended to bolster the collaborative framework needed to address complex student issues, thus potentially improving overall educational outcomes.
Though the bill aims to strengthen support for students, there may be contention regarding the practical implications of enforcing such requirements on social workers and school districts. Questions have arisen about whether current resources and staffing levels within school systems are adequate to support this mandate, particularly in underserved areas. Moreover, the balance between administrative duties and direct student support could become a significant point of discussion among educators, parents, and policymakers, especially as schools prepare for the 2025-2026 implementation timeline.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 33. Service Programs And Extracurricular Activities
Relating to requiring a school district to employ a social worker to assist district security personnel and oversee the district's threat assessment and safe and supportive school teams.
Relating to the rights and certification of public school educators, including financial and other assistance and waivers provided to public schools by the Texas Education Agency related to public school educators, methods of instruction provided in public schools, and certain allotments under the Foundation School Program.