Texas House Bill HB1191

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation provides a framework for schools to establish individual graduation committees for students who fail to achieve satisfactory scores on required assessments. This component responds to concerns about student retention and dropout rates, allowing educators to consider broader criteria for graduation, including classroom grades and teacher recommendations. By doing so, HB1191 aims to increase high school graduation rates while maintaining accountability within the education system.

Summary

House Bill 1191 seeks to address the assessment of public school students at the secondary level and the implementation of individual graduation committees. The bill amends various sections of the Texas Education Code to expand on the roles and responsibilities related to the assessment instruments used in high schools, particularly regarding end-of-course assessments. It establishes guidelines for the administration of these assessments, ensuring they align with state standards while also accommodating students whose performance does not meet the required benchmarks.

Contention

Debates surrounding the bill focus on the effectiveness of standardized testing as a measure of student success and preparedness for college or career paths. Some stakeholders argue that the reliance on test scores is inadequate for determining a student's overall capabilities, pointing to the need for more inclusive assessment practices. In contrast, proponents assert that maintaining rigorous testing standards is essential for ensuring educational quality and college readiness. This ongoing discourse brings to light differing views on assessment's role in modern education and its implications for future policy reforms in Texas.