tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310926572191311477.post444161383176735225..comments2023-08-08T04:44:51.983-07:00Comments on For Whom the Bell Told: MA Bell's Blog About Librarianship and Technology: Incredible News! The TEXAS LEGISLATURE Did Something Good!!!Mary Annhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044499999987192784noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8310926572191311477.post-66178770798818844892007-06-24T21:13:00.000-07:002007-06-24T21:13:00.000-07:00I saw these new and interesting Bills that I thoug...I saw these new and interesting Bills that I thought you would like to hear about: Virtual schools<BR/>Two bills dealing with virtual schools passed:<BR/><BR/>SB 1788 by Shapiro sets up a virtual school network that will allow students across the state to access online courses. The bill facilitates greater equity in access to enrichment, AP, dual credit and other specialized coursework. <BR/>House Bill (HB) 2864 by Rep. Warren Chisum (R–Pampa) creates a pilot program allowing distance learning instruction for certain courses in rural schools. <BR/>Isn't this interesting? I teach technology at the high school level, so who will be teaching them? I am a fan of technology, though I believe that students need the one on one instruction that will allow them to socialize with a higher authority. I personally love internet courses, though I do not believe this is the only way to go. There needs some time of assessment before these students are allowed to take such classes, hopefully the legislature has thought of that as well. <BR/><BR/>Another interesting bill is the Private school vouchers<BR/>Several bills that would have allowed for private school vouchers were filed early in the session. However, ATPE and like-minded voucher opponents scored an early victory that seemed to halt their momentum. The House overwhelmingly approved an amendment to the state budget bill (HB 1) that prohibited the Legislature from using state funds for a private school voucher program. Although the amendment was later stripped from the bill in conference committee, the overwhelming vote sent a clear message that legislative support for a voucher program had all but disappeared, at least in the House. SB 1943 by Sen. Dan Patrick (R–Houston) would have allowed private school students to participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) activities and competitions. ATPE urged Patrick to amend the bill to require private school students to meet the same accountability requirements as public school students who participate in UIL. He declined to modify the bill, which made it out of the Senate but died on the House calendar.<BR/>Why am I not surprised?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02646051362189556367noreply@blogger.com