Texas Senate Bill SB96

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to limiting certain state-required assessment instruments administered to public school students in certain grades to assessments required by federal law.

Impact

The implications of SB96 on state education laws are significant. By narrowing the scope of state-required assessments, the bill could alleviate some of the testing burden placed on students, teachers, and schools. This reduction in mandatory assessments may lead to a more focused educational environment, allowing school districts to allocate resources toward teaching rather than testing. However, this also means that some assessments currently in place may be phased out, possibly affecting how student achievement is measured at the state level.

Summary

SB96 seeks to amend the Education Code of Texas by limiting the assessment instruments that can be administered to public school students in certain grades. The primary focus of the bill is to ensure that only those assessments required by federal law are mandated at the state level. This shift aims to streamline the assessment process and potentially decrease the number of tests that students must take, emphasizing the importance of federal guidelines in educational standards.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB96 has highlighted various points of contention, particularly among educators and policy makers. Proponents of the bill argue that it aligns state requirements closely with federal standards, eliminating unnecessary assessments and fostering a more effective educational atmosphere. Critics, however, fear that limiting assessments may undermine the accountability systems currently in place, potentially leading to a lack of clarity on student performance and educational outcomes. The debate reflects ongoing tensions in education policy regarding how much control should be exercised at the local versus state levels.