Texas Senate Bill SB1818

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/2/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/20/09

Caption

Relating to providing an exemption from the administration of certain assessment instruments for certain public school students who are asylees or refugees.

Impact

The introduction of SB1818 is significant for public school students who are asylees or refugees, as it aligns educational assessments with the specific challenges these students may face due to their previous educational experiences. By accounting for limited English proficiency and previous inadequate schooling, the bill can mitigate undue stress on these students and offer them a better chance to succeed academically. This legislative change potentially enhances educational equity by tailoring assessment requirements to the needs of linguistically and educationally disadvantaged students.

Summary

SB1818 proposes to amend the Education Code in Texas to provide exemptions from the administration of certain assessment instruments for specific public school students who are classified as asylees or refugees. The bill aims to assist these students, particularly those who have faced inadequate education prior to their enrollment in U.S. schools, by allowing them to be exempted from assessments that may not accurately reflect their knowledge and skills. This exemption can last for up to four years, depending on their situation upon entering the U.S. education system.

Contention

While SB1818 has the potential to positively impact students' educational experiences, it may also lead to debates regarding the efficacy and fairness of assessment practices in public schools. Proponents of the bill argue that traditional assessment methods can be harmful to students from diverse backgrounds, while opponents might raise concerns about the challenge of measuring educational progress without standardized assessments. The balance between providing necessary exemptions and maintaining rigorous academic standards is likely to be a point of discussion among educators, lawmakers, and the communities affected by this bill.