The Devil Is In The Details
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Over the years, vouchers have been rebranded as “education savings accounts” and equated to "school choice." The public has been told that ESAs will get poor kids out of failing schools and help disabled children but little has been shared about the actual bills. This website* breaks down current Senate School Choice bill into understandable language, addressing concerns Texans have. You are encouraged to view the bill in its entirety by clicking the link provided throughout the site. Information will be updated regularly as the bill moves through the legislative process.
For questions or concerns about the bill, please email or call your senator and representative directly from the contact page.
Find who represents you here: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
*Vouchersarenotconservative.com is not a government website
For questions or concerns about the bill, please email or call your senator and representative directly from the contact page.
Find who represents you here: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
*Vouchersarenotconservative.com is not a government website
What is an educational savings account? Is it a voucher?
Educational savings accounts (ESAs) are a voucher-like program that allows parents to pull taxpayer funds to pay for private or home school. ESAs are state managed whereas vouchers are given directly to the parent. Both use taxpayer dollars:
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Senate Bill 2, The School Choice Bill
Senate Bill 2 (SB2) , also known as the School Choice bill, is a bill to be established as an act relating to the establishment of an education savings account program:
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Is Senate Bill 2 fiscally conservative?
The fiscal analysis for SB2 projects the costs will increase from $1.0 billion the first fiscal year to $4.6 billion by the fifth fiscal year. There is a cost savings projection under the Foundation School Program of $257.5 million the first fiscal year up to $805.5 million the fifth fiscal year.
The introduced versions of the General Appropriations Bills include $1.0 billion in funding for an ESA program contingent upon enacting legislation. Therefore, this analysis assumes that the cost of the program in fiscal year 2027 would be limited to $1.0 billion, including administrative costs. In subsequent years and based on assumptions outlined above, this analysis assumes the cost of the ESA program could be $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2028, $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2029, and $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2030.
This analysis assumes public school students that would leave to enroll in private schools would generate a savings under the Foundation School Program (FSP), estimated at $10,512 per student in fiscal year 2027, increasing to $11,115 in fiscal year 2030. The agency assumes that FSP savings would be realized in the following fiscal year during the settle-up process. This analysis assumes FSP savings could be $257.5 million in fiscal year 2028, increasing to $805.5 million in fiscal year 2030.
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/html/SB00002I.htm
The introduced versions of the General Appropriations Bills include $1.0 billion in funding for an ESA program contingent upon enacting legislation. Therefore, this analysis assumes that the cost of the program in fiscal year 2027 would be limited to $1.0 billion, including administrative costs. In subsequent years and based on assumptions outlined above, this analysis assumes the cost of the ESA program could be $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2028, $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2029, and $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2030.
This analysis assumes public school students that would leave to enroll in private schools would generate a savings under the Foundation School Program (FSP), estimated at $10,512 per student in fiscal year 2027, increasing to $11,115 in fiscal year 2030. The agency assumes that FSP savings would be realized in the following fiscal year during the settle-up process. This analysis assumes FSP savings could be $257.5 million in fiscal year 2028, increasing to $805.5 million in fiscal year 2030.
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/html/SB00002I.htm
Will an ESA School Choice program grow government?
The fiscal analysis for SB2 projects the program will increase government bureaucracy with 42 new full time employees the first year. The bill also grants the comptroller the power to hire outside consultants, actuaries, trustees, record administrators, managers, and legal council for administrative or technical assistance. No projection on the number of outside contractors or its cost is provided.
TEA assumes there would be a fiscal impact to the state to compile, analyze and share data with the comptroller as well as provide information as necessary to CEAOs. In order to execute these functions, the agency assumes one Director III, one Director I, one Education Specialist V, one Data Analyst V, and one Data Analyst IV would be required. In addition, the agency assumes one Data Analyst V would be required to support the Office of Analytics, Assessment, and Reporting to provide ongoing research support to individuals and groups pursuing relevant data on ESAs through the Education Research Centers under Education Code Section 1.005 and support the response to Public Information Requests under Government Code 552.021. This analysis assumes fiscal year 2027 administrative costs would be included in the $1.0 billion total program appropriation.
The Comptroller assumes 36.0 FTEs, including one Director III to oversee implementation and administration of the program; one Contract Administration Manager II to develop and manage contracts with certified educational assistance organization(s), auditor, reports, and software development; two Accountants V to review fund transfers and requests for distributions, and reconcile account activity; one Project Manager IV positions to compile lists of preapproved service providers and vendors and review requests for additions; one Administrative Assistant V to provide support to Project Manager; two Program Specialists V to compile listings of preapproved service providers and vendors and review requests for one-off additions to the listings; and Marketing Specialists IV to promote awareness of the program. Additionally, the Comptroller assumes six Attorneys V would be needed to stand up the program, ensure ongoing compliance with statute, and handle an anticipated large number of appeals of program decisions as well as litigation. The agency assumes an additional three Attorneys V would be needed to investigate and defend against fraud, assist the Attorney General's office (OAG) to defend against litigation, and review responses to public information requests and prepare referral letters to the OAG. CPA also assumes one Data Analyst IV would be needed to process the anticipated increase in public information requests.
CPA assumes one Accountant V, one Accountant VI, and one Budget Analyst V would be required to manage the increased workload in accounts payable, internal accounting, and budget reconciliation. The agency also assumes one Manager IV, one Manager III, eight Taxpayer Compliance Officers III, one Customer Service Representative III, and one Program Specialist II would be required to handle enforcement of the program and collection of misused funds. Finally, the agency assumes one Cybersecurity Analyst II would be needed to implement and oversee new cybersecurity requirements of the program.
The CPA assumes the fiscal impact of the above FTEs and necessary technology, professional, and other operating costs that would be required to implement the provisions of this bill would be $6.0 million in fiscal year 2026, $5.6 million in fiscal year 2027, $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028, and $4.8 million in fiscal years 2029 and 2030. This analysis assumes fiscal year 2027 administrative costs would be included in the $1.0 billion total program appropriation. The agency's cost estimate also includes outside counsel to provide legal support in development and administration of the program; an ESA consultant; outside audit services to perform random audits; and software development costs.
SB2 Sec.29.352. (b)The comptroller has any power necessary to establish and administer the program, including the power to: (2) engage the services of private consultants, actuaries, trustees, record administrators, managers, and legal counsel for administrative or technical assistance;
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/html/SB00002I.htm
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
TEA assumes there would be a fiscal impact to the state to compile, analyze and share data with the comptroller as well as provide information as necessary to CEAOs. In order to execute these functions, the agency assumes one Director III, one Director I, one Education Specialist V, one Data Analyst V, and one Data Analyst IV would be required. In addition, the agency assumes one Data Analyst V would be required to support the Office of Analytics, Assessment, and Reporting to provide ongoing research support to individuals and groups pursuing relevant data on ESAs through the Education Research Centers under Education Code Section 1.005 and support the response to Public Information Requests under Government Code 552.021. This analysis assumes fiscal year 2027 administrative costs would be included in the $1.0 billion total program appropriation.
The Comptroller assumes 36.0 FTEs, including one Director III to oversee implementation and administration of the program; one Contract Administration Manager II to develop and manage contracts with certified educational assistance organization(s), auditor, reports, and software development; two Accountants V to review fund transfers and requests for distributions, and reconcile account activity; one Project Manager IV positions to compile lists of preapproved service providers and vendors and review requests for additions; one Administrative Assistant V to provide support to Project Manager; two Program Specialists V to compile listings of preapproved service providers and vendors and review requests for one-off additions to the listings; and Marketing Specialists IV to promote awareness of the program. Additionally, the Comptroller assumes six Attorneys V would be needed to stand up the program, ensure ongoing compliance with statute, and handle an anticipated large number of appeals of program decisions as well as litigation. The agency assumes an additional three Attorneys V would be needed to investigate and defend against fraud, assist the Attorney General's office (OAG) to defend against litigation, and review responses to public information requests and prepare referral letters to the OAG. CPA also assumes one Data Analyst IV would be needed to process the anticipated increase in public information requests.
CPA assumes one Accountant V, one Accountant VI, and one Budget Analyst V would be required to manage the increased workload in accounts payable, internal accounting, and budget reconciliation. The agency also assumes one Manager IV, one Manager III, eight Taxpayer Compliance Officers III, one Customer Service Representative III, and one Program Specialist II would be required to handle enforcement of the program and collection of misused funds. Finally, the agency assumes one Cybersecurity Analyst II would be needed to implement and oversee new cybersecurity requirements of the program.
The CPA assumes the fiscal impact of the above FTEs and necessary technology, professional, and other operating costs that would be required to implement the provisions of this bill would be $6.0 million in fiscal year 2026, $5.6 million in fiscal year 2027, $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028, and $4.8 million in fiscal years 2029 and 2030. This analysis assumes fiscal year 2027 administrative costs would be included in the $1.0 billion total program appropriation. The agency's cost estimate also includes outside counsel to provide legal support in development and administration of the program; an ESA consultant; outside audit services to perform random audits; and software development costs.
SB2 Sec.29.352. (b)The comptroller has any power necessary to establish and administer the program, including the power to: (2) engage the services of private consultants, actuaries, trustees, record administrators, managers, and legal counsel for administrative or technical assistance;
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/html/SB00002I.htm
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Will the passage of school choice affect the Teacher Retirement System?
The Legislative Budget Board's reports (LBB) show a school choice program will have an adverse effect on TRS. The LBB's Impact Analysis predicts that student population in public schools will begin to decline in 2027.
"Therefore, this analysis assumes 24,500 students would leave public schools for private schools in fiscal year 2027, increasing to 98,000 in fiscal year 2030, and that 10,500 home school students would enroll in private school in fiscal year 2027, increasing to 42,000 by fiscal year 2030."
LBB Budget Impact Analysis page 3, paragraph 1:
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/pdf/SB00002I.pdf#navpanes=0
According to the LBB's Actuarial Report, if there's a slight decline in school enrollment, TRS would no longer be actuarially sound and an increase in the contribution rate may be necessary. The bill does not state whether this increased rate would be paid by teachers or the state. Teachers are currently required to contribute 8.25% of their gross earnings into the state's Teacher Retirement System.
"The actuarial analysis notes that even a small adjustment such as a decrease in the projected covered payroll growth could be enough for TRS to no longer be actuarially sound according to the statutory definition. TRS' analysis also notes that it is possible an increase in the contribution rate may be necessary in the future if payroll does not grow as currently projected following the passage of this bill."
"The actuarial analysis notes that a 1 percent per year decline in active population would increase the funding period to 35 years and take 12 years for the UAAL to stop growing and begin to decline."
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/impactstmts/html/SB00002IA.htm
"Therefore, this analysis assumes 24,500 students would leave public schools for private schools in fiscal year 2027, increasing to 98,000 in fiscal year 2030, and that 10,500 home school students would enroll in private school in fiscal year 2027, increasing to 42,000 by fiscal year 2030."
LBB Budget Impact Analysis page 3, paragraph 1:
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/pdf/SB00002I.pdf#navpanes=0
According to the LBB's Actuarial Report, if there's a slight decline in school enrollment, TRS would no longer be actuarially sound and an increase in the contribution rate may be necessary. The bill does not state whether this increased rate would be paid by teachers or the state. Teachers are currently required to contribute 8.25% of their gross earnings into the state's Teacher Retirement System.
"The actuarial analysis notes that even a small adjustment such as a decrease in the projected covered payroll growth could be enough for TRS to no longer be actuarially sound according to the statutory definition. TRS' analysis also notes that it is possible an increase in the contribution rate may be necessary in the future if payroll does not grow as currently projected following the passage of this bill."
"The actuarial analysis notes that a 1 percent per year decline in active population would increase the funding period to 35 years and take 12 years for the UAAL to stop growing and begin to decline."
capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/impactstmts/html/SB00002IA.htm
Will taxpayers govern the program through legislators?
The bill grants the Texas Comptroller's office unfettered power over the program from the selection of approved vendors to setting the rules for applications, and review of parent appeals.
Comptroller has rulemaking authority for the program, not taxpayers.
Sections 29.356, 29.358, 29.362, 29.374, and 29.372
The bill provides zero accountability to taxpayers.
Sec. 29.368. PROGRAM PARTICIPANT, PROVIDER, AND VENDOR AUTONOMY. (a) An education service provider or vendor of educational products that receives money distributed under the program is not a recipient of federal financial assistance and may not be considered to be an agent of state government on the basis of receiving that money.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Comptroller has rulemaking authority for the program, not taxpayers.
Sections 29.356, 29.358, 29.362, 29.374, and 29.372
The bill provides zero accountability to taxpayers.
Sec. 29.368. PROGRAM PARTICIPANT, PROVIDER, AND VENDOR AUTONOMY. (a) An education service provider or vendor of educational products that receives money distributed under the program is not a recipient of federal financial assistance and may not be considered to be an agent of state government on the basis of receiving that money.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
How much money will the school choice bill provide for students?
Each participating student will receive at least $2,000 per year in their ESA. If a family elects to enroll their child in an accredited private school, that student will receive $10,000 per year or $11,500 per year if the student has a disability.
Sec. 29.361. AMOUNT OF PAYMENT; FINANCING. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), the comptroller shall credit semiannually from the program fund to each program participant's account a total amount equal to:
(1) $2,000 or a greater amount set by appropriation; or
(2) if the participating child is enrolled in a private school accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission or the agency:
(A) $10,000; or
(B) $11,500 if the participating child is a child with a disability.
(b) The comptroller shall prorate a credit to a program participant's account under Subsection (a) for a participating child admitted into the program after the beginning of a program year based on the date the child is admitted. (c) Any money remaining in a participating child's account at the end of a fiscal year is carried forward to the next fiscal year unless another provision of this subchapter mandates the closure of the account. (d) The participating parent may make payments for the expenses of educational programs, services, and products not covered by money in the participating child's account. (e) A payment under Subsection (a) may not be financed using federal money or money from the available school fund or instructional materials and technology fund. (f) Payments received under this subchapter do not constitute taxable income to a participating parent, unless otherwise provided by federal law.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.361. AMOUNT OF PAYMENT; FINANCING. (a) Subject to Subsection (b), the comptroller shall credit semiannually from the program fund to each program participant's account a total amount equal to:
(1) $2,000 or a greater amount set by appropriation; or
(2) if the participating child is enrolled in a private school accredited by an organization recognized by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission or the agency:
(A) $10,000; or
(B) $11,500 if the participating child is a child with a disability.
(b) The comptroller shall prorate a credit to a program participant's account under Subsection (a) for a participating child admitted into the program after the beginning of a program year based on the date the child is admitted. (c) Any money remaining in a participating child's account at the end of a fiscal year is carried forward to the next fiscal year unless another provision of this subchapter mandates the closure of the account. (d) The participating parent may make payments for the expenses of educational programs, services, and products not covered by money in the participating child's account. (e) A payment under Subsection (a) may not be financed using federal money or money from the available school fund or instructional materials and technology fund. (f) Payments received under this subchapter do not constitute taxable income to a participating parent, unless otherwise provided by federal law.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Are low income kids given priority?
If applications exceed capacity, 80 percent of available positions will be filled by lottery among students who previously attended public school and are either from low-income households or have a disability. The remaining slots will be filled by lottery among all other eligible applicants.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
What's considered a low income household?
The bill defines a low income household as one with a total annual income at or below 500% the federal poverty level. This means that a four person household with an annual income of $160,750 would be considered low income.
Sec. 29.351. DEFINITIONS. (5)"Low-income household" means a household with a total annual income that is at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
HHS Poverty Guidelines 2025: aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.351. DEFINITIONS. (5)"Low-income household" means a household with a total annual income that is at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.
HHS Poverty Guidelines 2025: aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
title 8
Will parents receive the full amount of ESA?
The bill states that 3% of appropriated funds will be given to the comptroller's office for the administration of the program and 5% of funds will be paid to Educational Assistance Organization(EAO) tasked with the management of the ESA. It's unclear whether the parent is allowed to choose which EAO to use.
Sec. 29.362. ADMINISTRATION OF ACCOUNTS. (a) On receipt of money distributed by the comptroller for purposes of making payments to program participants, a certified educational assistance organization shall hold that money in trust for the benefit of children participating in the program and make quarterly payments to the account of each participating child served by the organization in equal amounts on or before the first day of July, October, January, and April. (b) Each year, the comptroller may deduct from the total amount of money appropriated for purposes of this subchapter an amount, not to exceed three percent of that total amount, to cover the comptroller's cost of administering the program. (c) Each quarter, each certified educational assistance organization shall submit to the comptroller a breakdown of the organization's costs of administering the program for the previous quarter and the comptroller shall disburse from money appropriated for the program to each certified educational assistance organization the amount necessary to cover the organization's costs of administering the program for that quarter. The total amount disbursed to all certified educational assistance organizations under this subsection for a state fiscal year may not exceed five percent of the amount appropriated for the purposes of the program for that fiscal year.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002I.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.362. ADMINISTRATION OF ACCOUNTS. (a) On receipt of money distributed by the comptroller for purposes of making payments to program participants, a certified educational assistance organization shall hold that money in trust for the benefit of children participating in the program and make quarterly payments to the account of each participating child served by the organization in equal amounts on or before the first day of July, October, January, and April. (b) Each year, the comptroller may deduct from the total amount of money appropriated for purposes of this subchapter an amount, not to exceed three percent of that total amount, to cover the comptroller's cost of administering the program. (c) Each quarter, each certified educational assistance organization shall submit to the comptroller a breakdown of the organization's costs of administering the program for the previous quarter and the comptroller shall disburse from money appropriated for the program to each certified educational assistance organization the amount necessary to cover the organization's costs of administering the program for that quarter. The total amount disbursed to all certified educational assistance organizations under this subsection for a state fiscal year may not exceed five percent of the amount appropriated for the purposes of the program for that fiscal year.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002I.pdf#navpanes=0
Are parents free to choose any vendor or school they believe is best for their child?
No. Parents are required to choose from a list of vendors approved by the comptroller.
Sec. 29.358. PREAPPROVED PROVIDERS AND VENDORS. (a) The comptroller shall by rule establish a process for the preapproval of education service providers and vendors of educational products for participation in the program. The comptroller shall allow for the submission of applications on a rolling basis.
(c) The comptroller may certify not more than five educational assistance organizations to support the administration of the program, including by:
(1) administering in whole or in part:
(A) the application process under Section 29.356; and
(B) the program expenditures process under Section 29.360
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.358. PREAPPROVED PROVIDERS AND VENDORS. (a) The comptroller shall by rule establish a process for the preapproval of education service providers and vendors of educational products for participation in the program. The comptroller shall allow for the submission of applications on a rolling basis.
(c) The comptroller may certify not more than five educational assistance organizations to support the administration of the program, including by:
(1) administering in whole or in part:
(A) the application process under Section 29.356; and
(B) the program expenditures process under Section 29.360
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Are private schools required to accept all students?
No. The bill specifically states that vendors set their own admissions policies, thereby allowing schools to reject students for any reason.
Sec. 29.368. PROGRAM PARTICIPANT, PROVIDER, AND VENDOR AUTONOMY. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a state agency or state official may not adopt a rule or take other governmental action related to the program and a certified educational assistance organization may not take participant from freely: (A) determining the methods or curriculum to educate students; (B) determining admissions and enrollment practices, policies, and standards;
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.368. PROGRAM PARTICIPANT, PROVIDER, AND VENDOR AUTONOMY. (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), a state agency or state official may not adopt a rule or take other governmental action related to the program and a certified educational assistance organization may not take participant from freely: (A) determining the methods or curriculum to educate students; (B) determining admissions and enrollment practices, policies, and standards;
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Will private schools be required to provide services to disabled children?
Private schools are not required to provide services to children with disabilities. The bill exempts them from all state and federal laws regarding the provision of educational services to a disabled child.
Sec. 29.367 SPECIAL EDUCATION (1) states that a private school is not subject to federal and state laws regarding the provision of educational services to a child with a disability in the same manner as a public school
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.367 SPECIAL EDUCATION (1) states that a private school is not subject to federal and state laws regarding the provision of educational services to a child with a disability in the same manner as a public school
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Are children in the program subject to assessment tests?
Yes. Money will only be given to schools that administer a nationally norm-referenced assessment test and parents must ensure an assessment test is done yearly.
Sec. 29.358. PREAPPROVED PROVIDERS AND VENDORS. (b) The comptroller shall approve an education service provider or vendor of educational products for participation in the program if the provider or vendor: (1) for a private school, demonstrates annual administration of a nationally norm-referenced assessment instrument or the appropriate assessment instrument required under Subchapter B, Chapter 39;
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.358. PREAPPROVED PROVIDERS AND VENDORS. (b) The comptroller shall approve an education service provider or vendor of educational products for participation in the program if the provider or vendor: (1) for a private school, demonstrates annual administration of a nationally norm-referenced assessment instrument or the appropriate assessment instrument required under Subchapter B, Chapter 39;
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Can parents opt out of the assessment tests?
No. In order to participate in the program, parents must ensure the administration of an assessment test to the child and share the results of the test with the EAO.
Sec. 29.357. PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM. As a condition of participating in the program, a participating parent must agree to: (1)spend money received through the program only for expenses allowed under Section 29.359; (2)ensure the annual administration to the child of a nationally norm-referenced assessment instrument or the appropriate assessment instrument required under Subchapter B, Chapter 39; (3)share or authorize the administrator of an assessment instrument to share with the program participant’s certified educational assistance organization the results of any assessment instrument required to be administered to the child under Subdivision (2) or other law;
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.357. PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM. As a condition of participating in the program, a participating parent must agree to: (1)spend money received through the program only for expenses allowed under Section 29.359; (2)ensure the annual administration to the child of a nationally norm-referenced assessment instrument or the appropriate assessment instrument required under Subchapter B, Chapter 39; (3)share or authorize the administrator of an assessment instrument to share with the program participant’s certified educational assistance organization the results of any assessment instrument required to be administered to the child under Subdivision (2) or other law;
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
What will happen if a child fails an assessment?
Unknown. The bill does not give any direction concerning poor assessment scores.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
If a parent is dissatisfied with a school or vendor, can they get their ESA money back to put towards a different one?
No. Schools and vendors keep the money.
Sec. 29.365. TUITION AND FEES; REFUND PROHIBITED. (b) An education service provider or vendor of educational products receiving money distributed under the program may not in any manner rebate, refund, or credit to or share with a program participant, or any person on behalf of a participant, any program money paid or owed by the participant to the provider or vendor.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.365. TUITION AND FEES; REFUND PROHIBITED. (b) An education service provider or vendor of educational products receiving money distributed under the program may not in any manner rebate, refund, or credit to or share with a program participant, or any person on behalf of a participant, any program money paid or owed by the participant to the provider or vendor.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
What information will be collected about the child?
A child’s assessment test results and demographic information will be collected annually.
Sec. 29.371. ANNUAL REPORT. (a) The comptroller shall require that each certified educational assistance organization compile program data and produce an annual longitudinal report regarding:
(1) the number of program applications received and accepted, disaggregated by age;(2) program participant satisfaction;(3) the results of assessment instruments shared in accordance with Section
Sec. 29.3715. COLLECTION AND REPORTING OF DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION. (a) Each certified educational assistance organization shall collect and report to the comptroller demographic information regarding each participating child for whom the organization is responsible. The report must include the following demographic information:(1) the child's grade;(2) the child's age;(3) the child's gender;(4) the child's race or ethnicity;(5) the school district in which the child resides;(6) the district campus that the child would otherwise attend;(7) the child's zip code;(8) the child's date of enrollment in the program;(9) whether the child is educationally disadvantaged; and
(10) whether the child has a disability.(b) Not later than August 1 of each year, the comptroller shall submit a written report to the legislature summarizing the demographic information collected under this section.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
Sec. 29.371. ANNUAL REPORT. (a) The comptroller shall require that each certified educational assistance organization compile program data and produce an annual longitudinal report regarding:
(1) the number of program applications received and accepted, disaggregated by age;(2) program participant satisfaction;(3) the results of assessment instruments shared in accordance with Section
Sec. 29.3715. COLLECTION AND REPORTING OF DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION. (a) Each certified educational assistance organization shall collect and report to the comptroller demographic information regarding each participating child for whom the organization is responsible. The report must include the following demographic information:(1) the child's grade;(2) the child's age;(3) the child's gender;(4) the child's race or ethnicity;(5) the school district in which the child resides;(6) the district campus that the child would otherwise attend;(7) the child's zip code;(8) the child's date of enrollment in the program;(9) whether the child is educationally disadvantaged; and
(10) whether the child has a disability.(b) Not later than August 1 of each year, the comptroller shall submit a written report to the legislature summarizing the demographic information collected under this section.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/SB00002E.pdf#navpanes=0
title 18
title 19