Relating to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation, and the temporary suspension of certain accountability determinations for a school district or campus in a school year in which the operations of the district or campus are disrupted as a result of a declared disaster.
Impact
The bill's provisions could fundamentally reshape how accountability is structured in Texas public schools. Eliminating standardized test scores as a requirement for graduation addresses ongoing concerns about the rigidity of current educational assessments and how they affect student success. Proponents argue that it is crucial to provide a more holistic approach to education that considers individual learning needs, particularly in circumstances where students may be adversely affected by external disasters. This change could lead to increased graduation rates and more engagement in students’ personal and academic lives.
Summary
House Bill 3470 introduces significant changes to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools across Texas. The bill aims to eliminate the requirement of using public school assessment results as a criterion for student promotion or graduation. This legislative change is particularly relevant as it seeks to adjust educational standards in response to disasters, allowing schools to temporarily suspend accountability measures during times of operational disruption. The outcome of this bill could redefine the assessment landscape for Texas students, particularly for high school students facing graduation requirements.
Contention
Notably, the adjustments proposed in HB 3470 could spark debate among educational stakeholders. Critics may argue that removing standardized assessments for graduation might diminish academic rigor and preparedness for post-secondary education or workforce entry. Furthermore, concerns regarding long-term educational outcomes could arise if students are not adequately evaluated. As this bill progresses, discussions will likely focus on finding a balance between easing assessment pressures and maintaining standards that assure student readiness for future challenges.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Education Code
Chapter 12. Charters
Section: 257
Section: 258
Section: 260
Chapter 18. Job Corps Diploma Programs
Section: New Section
Chapter 19. Schools In The Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.
Relating to eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.
Relating to eliminating certain state-required end-of-course assessment instruments not required by federal law and eliminating graduation requirements based on satisfactory performance on certain end-of-course assessment instruments.
Relating to eliminating certain state-required end-of-course assessment instruments not required by federal law and eliminating graduation requirements based on satisfactory performance on certain end-of-course assessment instruments.
Relating to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation, and the temporary suspension of certain accountability determinations for a school district or campus in a school year in which the operations of the district or campus are disrupted as a result of a declared disaster.
Relating to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools and eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation or to make certain accountability determinations.
Relating to eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation or to make certain accountability determinations.
Relating to eliminating satisfactory performance requirements for public school end-of-course assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation.