House committee approves bill to automatically enroll students in available advanced math courses amid debate over local control
Summary
House Bill 2609 would auto‑enroll students who demonstrate readiness into the next available advanced mathematics course; sponsors and opponents debated effects on local control, parental choice and supports for students.
House Bill 2609, described by its sponsor as a measure to "close the access gap to advanced mathematics," was recommended to do pass by the Committee of the Whole after a lengthy floor discussion over local control, parental rights and supports for students.
Representative Gress, sponsor, said the measure would automatically enroll students who have demonstrated proficiency into an available advanced math course to eliminate administrative barriers and increase participation, especially among underrepresented and disadvantaged students. He cited research from other states (North Carolina, Texas, Washington) and a study reference (Johns Hopkins) regarding increased participation and long‑term STEM outcomes.
Opponents warned the policy could undermine local control and parental decision‑making. Representative Gutierrez said the measure "negates local control and as local as parents of students" and expressed concern that some students might be placed into advanced courses without needed tutoring or supports. Sponsor Gress and other backers said parents and students could opt out and that the policy only applies when an advanced course is available.
A floor amendment (Gress) clarified that if no advanced course is available the automatic enrollment would not apply and provided flexibility for schools in implementation. The floor adopted the amendment and the Committee of the Whole reported HB 2609 as amended to do pass.
Ending: The Committee of the Whole recommended HB 2609 as amended to do pass; the transcript captures a detailed Q&A and competing arguments about equity, local control and supports for students.
