Texas Senate Bill SB382

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

Impact

If enacted, SB 382 will significantly impact the education assessment framework in Texas. School districts will be evaluated not just by standardized test scores but also by factors like the percentage of students earning dual credits, satisfying college readiness benchmarks, and obtaining industry certifications. This approach helps shift the focus from sole reliance on testing to a more all-encompassing evaluation of student readiness, catering to diverse educational paths beyond traditional academics. The bill is expected to provide a clearer picture of student readiness for both college and career opportunities.

Summary

Senate Bill 382 relates to the indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system in Texas. The primary aim of this bill is to enhance how school districts and campuses are evaluated based on their performance across multiple domains. The bill modifies existing legislation to include a broad range of indicators that encompass various aspects of student achievement, including assessment results and college readiness metrics. These changes strive to create a more comprehensive understanding of how well students are performing academically and how ready they are for postsecondary education or the workforce.

Contention

The introduction of SB 382 has sparked discussions regarding the effectiveness of accountability systems in education. Supporters argue that a multi-faceted approach to evaluation can paint a better picture of student success, while critics question whether adding more indicators might overburden already struggling school systems. There could be significant debate over how to implement these new metrics and ensure that the necessary resources and training are provided to educators and administrators so that they can comply with these new requirements. Some concerns have been raised regarding the potential administrative burden and the implications for schools serving disadvantaged populations.