Austin, TX – Today, with overwhelming bipartisan support, Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) advanced Senate Bill 569 (SB 569) through the Texas Senate. This marks a critical step in expanding access to high-quality virtual and hybrid learning for Texas students. SB 569 builds on previous virtual learning reforms and incorporates key recommendations from the 2022 Texas Commission on Virtual Education. SB568 has now been sent to the Texas House where Rep. Keith Bell is the House Sponsor.

“We’re going to dramatically increase the scores for these 51,884 students already enrolled, and expect over 100,000 students to benefit when the bill is finally passed into law and signed by Governor Abbott”. said Senator Bettencourt. "This bill empowers students, parents, and teachers with the tools for success.” He added.

Key Features of SB 569 that guarantee this success:

• Delivers More Access to Advanced Coursework – allows students to enroll in up to three individual virtual Advanced Placement (AP) courses, dual-credit courses, and specialized electives that may not be available at their local school.
• Provides Faster Pathways to Graduation and College Readiness – gives students more flexible time to pursue work based learning like apprenticeships, early graduation, and access to college credits while in high school, reducing time and costs of earning a degree.
• Enables High School Students to Earn an Associate Degree – students can complete up to two years of college coursework while in high school through virtual course offerings and dual-enrollment opportunities.
• Maintains Families Choices and Teacher Rights – prevents school districts from requiring virtual enrollment and from forcing in-person teachers to teach virtual classes without proper training or consent.
• Creates Clear Standards and Accountability Measures to uphold quality curriculum for virtual education providers.

SB 569 modernizes Texas’ approach to digital learning and responds effectively to increasing demands for flexible learning options. “Customizing learning options to meet unique needs is a good thing for all Texas kids and families. There is a cohort of students that can flourish in the virtual and hybrid courses, programs, and campuses.” Senator Bettencourt concluded.

The bill now moves through the Texas House of Representatives to be heard for consideration, first stop will be heard in the Public Education Committee.

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