Texas House Bill HB2195

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the administration of college preparation assessment instruments to public school students at state cost.

Impact

If passed, HB2195 would have a significant impact on how public schools in Texas prepare students for college and the workplace. The state will provide the necessary funding to administer these assessments, thereby alleviating financial burdens on individual school districts. By mandating these assessments, the bill aims to create a more standardized approach to evaluating college readiness across various school districts, promoting academic accountability and ensuring that students receive the necessary support to succeed in higher education.

Summary

House Bill 2195 focuses on the administration of college preparation assessment instruments to public school students at state cost. The bill mandates that school districts administer a nationally norm-referenced preliminary college preparation assessment in the spring of eighth grade and tenth grade to evaluate students’ academic strengths and weaknesses before they enter high school and measure their readiness for college. Additionally, high school students in grades eleven and twelve may take a college admissions assessment once at state cost. This initiative aims to enhance students' preparedness for post-secondary education and improve outcomes when they transition from high school.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, the bill may raise concerns among educators and school administrators regarding the effectiveness and implementation of standardized testing. Opponents may argue that increased reliance on such assessments could detract from other essential learning activities and place undue pressure on students. Moreover, discussions may arise about the adequacy of state-provided resources to support such a program, particularly in low-funded districts that may face difficulty in integrating these assessments into their existing educational frameworks.