Texas House Bill HB1673

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to eliminating certain state-required assessment instruments and certain end-of-course assessment instruments not required by federal law.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1673 represents a significant shift in the approach to standardized testing within the state. Proponents argue that the bill will lead to a more focused educational experience for students by limiting the scope of mandatory testing. They contend that it will allow educators to spend more time on instruction rather than on preparing students for multiple assessments. Additionally, it responds to changing federal requirements, aligning state policies with the evolving educational landscape.

Summary

House Bill 1673 aims to amend various sections of the Education Code in Texas by eliminating certain state-required assessment instruments and end-of-course assessment requirements that are not mandated by federal law. This legislation seeks to streamline the assessment process for students and reduce what some advocates see as unnecessary testing that burdens both students and educators. The key provisions focus on assessments in core subjects, including mathematics and reading, while removing requirements for assessments in writing, social studies, and other subjects unless required by federal law.

Contention

However, the bill has drawn concern from various educational stakeholders, including some educators and parent advocacy groups who fear that reducing the number of assessments might compromise educational standards. Critics argue that standardized assessments provide essential data for evaluating student progress, holding schools accountable, and ensuring that educational outcomes meet necessary benchmarks. The debate hinges on the balance between reducing the testing load for students and maintaining adequate measures of educational quality and assessment.