Education
BY HANNAH NORTON
Teachers now have more disciplinary authority House Bill 6 gives public school teachers more discretion to remove students from the classroom if they are repeatedly disruptive or threaten the safety of others. The change comes after nearly half of Texas public school teachers cited disci- pline issues as a top workplace challenge in 2022, according to the Texas Education Agency. What you need to know The law, which took e ect immediately when Gov. Greg Abbott signed it on June 20, allows schools to suspend students of any age who engage in “repeated or signi cant” disruptions, reversing a 2017 state law that generally prohib- ited schools from suspending students in pre-K through second grade. If students in kindergarten through third grade are sent home for behavioral issues, schools must provide documentation explaining their decision.
Districts to level-set high school GPAs Texas school districts will soon be required to use a standard system to calculate high school students’ grade point averages. At a glance Senate Bill 1191, which became law June 20, directs the Texas Education Agency to create a new GPA standard “as soon as practicable.” The system must give equal weight to advanced placement, international baccalaureate and dual enrollment courses. Quote of note “It most likely won’t impact kids that are currently enrolled in high school, … because it’s going to take a while to make sure every- one is on the same page,” said Bob Popinski, who leads the policy team for public school advocacy group Raise Your Hand Texas.
“A lot of the problems we see with our kids in high school is because they did not have consequences, none whatsoever, when
they were younger.” BILL AUTHOR REP. JEFF LEACH, R PLANO
HB 6 gives schools the option to place students in an in-school suspension for as long as they see t, reversing the previous policy that limited it to three days. However, the three-day time limit on out-of-school suspensions remains unchanged. What they said Proponents of the bill said there has been a rise in classroom disruptions that needs to be addressed. Those against it said suspension and stricter punishment is not conducive to helping children develop.
YOUR COMMUNITY AWAITS
Here’s One...
Make the YMCA your place this fall. Dive into group exercise classes, enroll your kids in after school, youth sports and swim lessons, or get involved in activities the whole family will enjoy. There’s something for every age, interest and goal.
Membership benefits include: Flexible annual and monthly options Unlimited group exercise classes Free wellness orientation Programs for all ages
Scan to Learn More Let’s Measure What Matters
Learn more at ymcahouston.org.
Ad paid by Raise Your Hand Texas®
YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.
31
PEARLAND FRIENDSWOOD MANVEL EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook