February 2015 Committee on Instruction Item 7
Discussion of Support for Students in Foster Care
February 12, 2015
COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION
SUMMARY: This item provides an opportunity for the board to discuss support for students in foster care, specifically related to transition assistance for students who transfer from one school to another, to align with requirements in the Texas Education Code (TEC), §25.007.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: TEC, §§7.102, 25.007, 28.002, 28.023, and 28.025.
BOARD RESPONSE: This item is presented for discussion.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: No previous action taken.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: Students in substitute care, typically known as foster care, who often move from one school to another are faced with special challenges to learning and achievement during their formative years. Education related issues for students in foster care were first addressed in the federal Fostering Connections Act of 2008 which encourages child welfare and education systems to work together in order to increase educational stability for children and youth in foster care. The 81st Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2009, passed Senate Bill (SB) 2248, adding TEC, §25.007 in order to address school transition for students in substitute care. The statute charges the agency to assist with transition for students in substitute care from one school to another. The 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, passed SB 1404 and House Bill 2619 amending TEC, §25.007, by adding transition assistance requirements for students in substitute care. The Supreme Court of Texas, Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families (Children’s Commission) published The Texas Blueprint: Transforming Education Outcomes for Children and Youth in Foster Care in 2012. TEA released a Foster Care and Student Success Resource Guide, co-authored with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the Children’s Commission, with preliminary guidance and information for schools in October 2013. This item provides the opportunity for the board to consider additional support for students in substitute care through rulemaking that falls under SBOE authority.
FISCAL IMPACT: Fiscal impact will be assessed after the SBOE gives direction regarding possible proposed amendments to bring forward for first reading and filing authorization.
PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Improving school transitions will lead to a better education, school experience, and ultimately life outcomes for students in substitute care. Districts and schools will have accurate and appropriate resources and information for providing services to students in substitute care and for complying with state law regarding these students.
PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: Procedural and reporting implications will be assessed after the SBOE gives direction regarding possible proposed amendments to bring forward for first reading and filing authorization.
LOCALLY MAINTAINED PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS: Paperwork requirements will be assessed after the SBOE gives direction regarding possible proposed amendments to bring forward for first reading and filing authorization.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
ALTERNATIVES: None.
OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUES: None.
Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs
Gene Lenz, Director
Federal and State Education Policy
Attachment:
Statutory Citations (PDF, 46KB)