Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB240

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

Caption

Relating to public school accountability and end-of-course assessment instruments.

Impact

The implications of SB240 extend to public education laws, particularly around the graduation requirements for students in Texas. By establishing performance standards tied to end-of-course assessments, the bill mandates that schools must adopt a comprehensive approach that incorporates test performance into grade calculations. This move potentially increases pressure on students to perform well on standardized tests to meet graduation criteria, thereby altering how schools may approach curriculum development and teaching strategies.

Summary

SB240 addresses public school accountability through the introduction of end-of-course assessment instruments that measure student performance in critical subject areas like Algebra I and English III. This senate bill aims to refine the state's education system by ensuring that students are adequately prepared for college-level work upon graduation. Within the legislation, there are stipulations on how these assessments should be utilized to assess student's knowledge and readiness, as well as provisions that adapt existing educational frameworks to align with new assessment standards.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB240 is mixed. Proponents argue that the bill is a step forward in ensuring accountability in the educational system and better preparing students for future academic endeavors. On the other hand, critics express concerns that an overemphasis on standardized testing may not accurately reflect a student's capabilities and could lead to high-stakes testing environments that may not benefit all learning styles.

Contention

Key points of contention within discussions of SB240 include the potential inequities in testing the diverse student population, as well as debates over the extent of state control in educational settings. Opponents of the legislation suggest that relying heavily on end-of-course assessments may not take into account differing students’ educational backgrounds and resources. Thus, while the bill aims to standardize educational outcomes, its implementation of strict performance measures raises valid concerns regarding fairness and educational equity.

Companion Bills

TX HB640

Very Similar Relating to public school accountability and end-of-course assessment instruments.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1981

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

TX HB1278

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

TX HB2661

Relating to eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

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.

TX HB1326

Relating to the academic assessment of public school students.

TX HB4402

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.

TX HB3517

Relating to public school accountability.

TX HB4691

Relating to public school accountability, including performance standards and sanctions and public high school graduation requirements.

Similar Bills

TX HB640

Relating to public school accountability and end-of-course assessment instruments.

TX HB85

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

TX SB1618

Relating to public school accountability, including assessment, and curriculum requirements.

TX HB5

Relating to public school accountability, including assessment, and curriculum requirements; providing a criminal penalty.

TX HB1191

Relating to secondary-level assessment of public school students and the use of individual graduation committees to satisfy certain public high school graduation requirements.

TX SB3

Relating to public school accountability, curriculum, and promotion requirements.

TX HB3

Relating to public school accountability, curriculum, and promotion requirements.

TX SB1724

Relating to end-of-course assessment instruments administered to public high school students and other measures of secondary-level performance.