Texas House Bill HB1162

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to eliminating satisfactory performance requirements for public school end-of-course assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation.

Impact

The passage of HB1162 would significantly impact state laws regarding education, specifically the criteria for high school graduation. As a result, students may receive their diplomas without needing to meet the previously established satisfactory performance levels on these assessments. This change could influence educational practices within school districts by encouraging a more holistic approach to student evaluations and promoting efforts to recognize various forms of academic and personal achievement.

Summary

House Bill 1162 aims to amend the Texas Education Code by eliminating the satisfactory performance requirements for public school end-of-course assessment instruments as a criterion for student promotion or graduation. The bill's intent is to provide students more pathways to earn their diplomas, potentially benefiting those who may struggle with standardized testing yet have met other educational requirements. By removing these performance benchmarks, HB1162 seeks to foster a more inclusive educational environment where students are evaluated on their comprehensive achievements rather than solely on their test scores.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding educational standards and accountability. Proponents argue that it alleviates undue pressure on students who may perform poorly in test-taking situations but excel in classroom learning and other modalities. On the contrary, opponents express concerns that such measures might dilute educational standards and undermine the value of high school diplomas. The debate emphasizes the delicate balance between accommodating diverse learning styles and maintaining rigorous expectations for academic achievement.