Underperforming Texas schools could face harsh penalties, according to a new law that takes effect September 1st. The Texas Tribune reports that if school districts don’t perform up to standards, the state will be authorized to strip them of their authority, or even close the school.
The new law has put deadlines in place for schools to improve performance. After two years of unacceptable ratings, school districts must meet with parents and community leaders to develop an improvement plan. If ratings don’t improve after another year, the state’s education commissioner has the option of installing new leadership or closing the school. If things haven’t improved after five years, the commissioner must either install new management at the district level or close the school.