Texas HB 1416 is an update to HB 4545, and is directly related to how schools in Texas meet student needs. It requires that students receive extra help in areas they are academically struggling in, with emphasis on Math and Reading/Language Arts. This article will help educators get the facts on HB 1416 in Texas, and find resources that will support them as they consult with their peers and work on meeting the house bill’s guidelines.
What is HB 1416?
HB 1416 is a House Bill that was passed in Texas that focuses on providing accelerated instruction to students.
Specifically, HB 1416 requires that students in grades 3-8 who did not reach at least the ‘Approaches Grade Level’ standard on the STAAR assessment, or other grade level students who did not reach the same standards on the STAAR EOC assessments, will have to receive additional support. This support is referred to as supplemental accelerated instruction. It is referred to as ‘supplemental’ because it occurs outside of core instruction. Students will need to receive 15 or 30 hours of supplemental accelerated instruction, and/or perform at the ‘Approaches Grade Level’ or above on their STARR or STARR EOC assessments, to no longer need supplemental accelerated instruction in a subject area.
In addition, for students specifically in grades 3, 5, and 8 who did not reach at least the ‘Approaches Grade Level’ standard on their STARR exam in Math or Reading, an Accelerated Learning Committee will be formed. The Accelerated Learning Committee would include the student’s parent or guardian, and other educators who will meet to help create an Education Plan for the student, so that they can make progress in Math or Reading.
To get the facts, check out this webinar from the TEA (Texas Education Agency).
Who Can Implement HB 1416?
Texas school districts are required to implement HB 1416, but there are a variety of options and exceptions. Learn more about the implementation timeline and guidelines here. According to the TEA’s FAQ document, under question #54, “HB 4545 applies to all students attending Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, regardless of their physical locations.”
When Did HB 1416 Go Into Effect?
According to the TEA (Texas Education Agency), HB 4545 went into effect on June 16th, 2021. HB 1416 has replaced HB 4545, going into effect as of June 9th, 2023.
Does HB 1416 Apply to the 2024 School Year and Beyond?
The guidelines implemented for HB 1416 about supplemental accelerated instruction will apply for the foreseeable future. See TEA’s HB 4545 Overview document for more details.
A Guide to Help Implement HB 1416 in Texas Schools
Because HB 1416 requires supplemental accelerated instruction outside of core instruction, it may be a challenge for schools to provide time for this during the school day. Schools also need to be able to track student attendance for accelerated instruction, and report time spent. The articles below will explain how Enriching Students can be used as a tool for Texas schools to schedule students to accelerated instruction, track attendance, and create reports. Note: for the upcoming school year, it will be required that schools upload information about the effectiveness of their accelerated instruction to PEIMS.
For Texas Districts trying to meet the requirements of House Bill 4545, a key element is for students in accelerated instruction to have 30 hours of instruction in the subject they struggled in. How can schools keep track of how many minutes of that 30 hrs a student has met, and how much they have left?
