Texas House Bill HB1868

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the required public school curriculum and to certain state-adopted or state-developed assessment instruments for public school students.

Impact

The implications of HB 1868 are significant, particularly in the context of public education accountability and quality. By mandating independent validation of assessment tools, the bill seeks to enhance the credibility and integrity of student evaluations, which are crucial for both educational outcomes and broader accountability measures. The legislation also stipulates limits on the time allowed for assessments, hence aiming to maintain a balance between comprehensive evaluation of student skillsets and the practical limitations of student testing conditions.

Summary

House Bill 1868 aims to amend the Texas Education Code by establishing requisites for the state-adopted and developed assessment instruments used in public schools. A critical aspect of the bill is the requirement that any assessment instrument must be validated and verified for reliability by an independent entity before it can be administered. This measure is intended to ensure that all assessments accurately reflect the essential knowledge and skills associated with the state curriculum standards as dictated by the State Board of Education.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, HB 1868 has not been free from contention. Critics argue that increasing the requirements for assessments could place additional burdens on school districts in terms of compliance and funding. There are concerns that this might lead to reduced flexibility in tailoring assessments to local needs or impede the state's ability to adapt quickly to evolving educational standards. Public discussions surrounding the bill indicate a divide between supporters who emphasize the need for rigorous educational assessments, and opponents who caution against bureaucratic overreach.