Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB29

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

Caption

Relating to considering the assessment instrument results of certain students in evaluating school district and campus performance.

Impact

The implementation of HB 29 is expected to reshape performance evaluations within Texas schools by ensuring that recent immigrant students do not disproportionately affect a school's performance ratings. This change is particularly significant in districts with high enrollments of immigrant students, as it acknowledges the unique challenges these students face in adjusting to a new educational system and language. Consequently, schools may experience less penalization in their performance metrics during the critical transition phase of these students.

Summary

House Bill 29 aims to amend the Education Code regarding how assessment instrument results are considered in evaluating the performance of school districts and campuses. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Texas Education Commissioner from using the results of certain assessments for a period of three years after a recent immigrant student with limited English proficiency has enrolled in a school in the United States. This provision is intended to provide these students with additional time to adapt to the educational environment without the pressure of assessments impacting the evaluation of their school's performance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill is generally positive among educators and advocates for immigrant rights, who view it as a necessary measure to support recent immigrant students and improve equity in educational assessments. However, some critics may argue that the delay in considering assessment results could potentially mask the true performance issues that schools might face. The debate reflects a broader discussion on the best ways to evaluate school effectiveness while being sensitive to the varied backgrounds of students.

Contention

Despite the bill's supportive intent, the passage of HB 29 may spark contention related to accountability measures for schools. Opponents might voice concerns that delaying the assessment results could impede timely interventions needed for schools underperforming for reasons beyond the challenges faced by immigrant students. Therefore, while the aim of the legislation is to promote fairness in evaluating school performance, it also raises questions about maintaining high standards for all schools.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3880

Relating to the administration of certain required assessment instruments and prohibiting the use of the results of certain required assessments of public school students for certain purposes.

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 HB1983

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 SB1261

Relating to accelerated instruction provided to public school 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 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 HB1416

Relating to accelerated instruction provided to public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.

TX HB1035

Relating to an indicator of achievement for evaluating the performance of public elementary, middle, and junior high school campuses and districts under the public school accountability system.

TX SB2295

Relating to accelerated instruction provided for public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments, indicators under the public school accountability system, and performance standards in public schools.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.