Relating to state control of teacher appraisal criteria, curriculum standards, and assessment instruments.
Impact
The implications of HB60 suggest a significant alteration to how Texas education systems assess teachers and design curricula. By disallowing national curriculum standards and federally influenced appraisal processes, the bill seeks to promote state autonomy in educational matters. This change could streamline teacher evaluations and school district operations but raises concerns about the potential isolation from broader educational trends and standards that might affect student performance outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 60 aims to enhance state control over educational practices by amending criteria related to teacher appraisals, curriculum standards, and student assessment instruments. Specifically, the bill prohibits the adoption of federally enacted or nationally applicable appraisal criteria, instead mandating that such criteria be based solely on observable and job-related behaviors. This legislative action indicates a shift towards localized governance of educational standards, aiming to distance Texas from federal influence in these areas.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB60 appears to be mixed, with supporters advocating for the preservation of local control in educational standards and a rejection of outside influence. They argue that this approach will allow Texas to craft an educational framework that is uniquely suited to its student population. Conversely, critics warn that such measures may undermine the quality of education by disregarding valuable resources and benchmarks provided by national standards.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the debate over the efficacy of national standards versus local criteria in achieving better educational outcomes. Opponents of HB60 express concerns that relying solely on local measurements may lead to disparities in educational quality and hinder universal achievement goals. The assertion that state oversight will enhance educational accountability is met with skepticism by those who believe federal standards ensure a baseline of educational quality that could be jeopardized.
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.
Relating to public school accountability, including the assessment of academic performance, and district and campus performance standards and sanctions.
Relating to instructional material and technology, the adoption of essential knowledge and skills for certain public school foundation curriculum subjects, and the extension of additional state aid to school districts for the provision of certain instructional materials; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.
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.