Bill Caption

Relating to the content of a public school campus improvement plan.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 2511 requires school districts to include bullying prevention and dropout deterrence in their campus turnaround plans. Dropout deterrence programs would be required to include research-based teacher development program that provides teachers continuing education in creating a nurturing classroom environment, developing respectful and caring relationships with students, promoting students' emotional health, and providing empathetic teaching techniques.

This bill also adds that the existing program to encourage parental involvement may include evidence-based materials or training for parents that focus on instilling a positive self-concept in children, building resilience in children, and providing respectful and positive discipline at home. This bill would apply to the 2019-2020 school year.

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas action remains neutral on this bill because it does not directly affect our principles. With respect to the provision regarding parent involvement we would note that public schools telling parents how to be parents and how to discipline their children at home is really not within the proper scope of public education. Because this program is already existing, its provisions are permissive, and parent engagement is voluntary we will not object to the bill.