Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB546

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

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 implementation of HB 546 would significantly modify state regulations regarding student assessments. By ensuring that Texas public schools only administer assessments required by federal law, the bill could lead to a decrease in the overall number of tests, which proponents claim will improve the educational environment. Additionally, the adjustments in assessment methods could direct funding and resources towards more effective teaching strategies, promoting a more holistic educational approach rather than one focused on test performance alone.

Summary

House Bill 546 aims to streamline the assessment process for public school students in Texas by limiting state-required testing to those assessments mandated by federal laws. This legislative change seeks to reduce the number of assessments that students must take, thereby addressing concerns over excessive standardized testing in schools. The bill's proponents argue that focusing solely on federal requirements will alleviate the burden on students and educators, allowing more time for instruction and learning rather than test preparation.

Contention

Despite its aims, HB 546 has faced scrutiny and debate. Critics express concerns that limiting assessments could undermine accountability and transparency in education, arguing that additional assessments provide critical data on student performance and school effectiveness. Some educators and policymakers fear that reducing testing could obscure gaps in student knowledge and reduce the overall standards of education. The discussion around this bill illustrates a broader tension in education policy between the need for rigorous assessment and the desire to foster a supportive learning environment.

Companion Bills

TX SB215

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

Previously Filed As

TX HB1278

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

TX HB2031

Relating to the assessment of public school students and the provision of accelerated instruction to students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.

TX HB1981

Relating to the administration of assessment instruments to public school students.

TX HB337

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.

TX HB58

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.

TX HB680

Relating to the use of interim testing and adaptive, growth-based assessment instruments for certain required assessments of public school students and prohibiting the use of the results of certain required assessments of public school students for certain purposes.

TX HB21

Relating to the use of interim testing and adaptive, growth-based assessment instruments for certain required assessments of public school students and prohibiting the use of the results of certain required assessments of public school students for certain purposes.

TX HB1267

Relating to the academic assessment of public school students.

TX HB3011

Relating to the academic assessment of public school students.

TX HB509

Relating to the academic assessment of public school students.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.