Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB588

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

Caption

Relating to restricting certain state and school district assessments of public school students in prekindergarten and kindergarten.

Impact

By enacting HB588, the Texas Education Code will significantly change the landscape of early childhood assessments. It will enhance local control by allowing school districts the option to adopt their own assessment instruments starting from first grade, fostering a more tailored educational approach. The bill indicates that the state will no longer impose rigid assessment standards on students in prekindergarten and kindergarten, allowing educators to focus on developmental learning rather than preparatory testing.

Summary

House Bill 588 aims to restrict the administration of certain assessments for public school students in prekindergarten and kindergarten levels. The bill specifies that neither the state agency, the State Board of Education, nor school districts can require standardized assessments for these grade levels, which includes achievement tests. This legislation emerges from concerns surrounding the pressure of early standardized testing on young students and the potential negative impacts on their educational experience during critical developmental years.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include the balance between maintaining academic standards and the developmental suitability of assessment methods for young students. Advocates for the bill argue that early standardized testing can be detrimental to children’s emotional and cognitive growth. Critics, however, may raise concerns that reducing assessment requirements could hinder the ability to gauge students' readiness for subsequent educational levels. Thus, the discussion revolves around finding an acceptable compromise that promotes effective learning without overwhelming young students.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB203

Relating to public school selection of an alternative assessment instrument in place of state-administered assessment instruments.

TX HB27

Relating to public school selection of an alternative assessment instrument in place of state-administered assessment instruments.

TX HB1981

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

TX HB2162

Relating to reading instruction, assessment instruments, and interventions provided to public school students.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.