Texas House Bill HB1333

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to public school accountability, including assessment of students and appraisal of teachers.

Impact

The implications of HB 1333 are significant as it mandates that the State Board of Education adopt rules to reduce the number or frequency of assessments in response to potential changes from the ESSA. The bill allows for the adoption of nationally recognized alternative assessment instruments that can be utilized in evaluating student achievements. Therefore, it aims to create a more flexible assessment framework that may lessen the pressure on students while still maintaining accountability standards across districts.

Summary

House Bill 1333 focuses on enhancing public school accountability in Texas, specifically concerning the assessment of students and the appraisal of teachers. The bill proposes changes to the Education Code which aim to streamline the assessment processes in alignment with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). It introduces provisions for the evaluation of student achievement while minimizing the reliance on standardized tests, advocating for a broader array of assessment tools, including alternative assessments that can provide a more comprehensive view of student performance.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention surrounding HB 1333 involve concerns regarding the balance between state and local control over educational assessments. Advocates highlight the importance of these changes for catering to diverse learning needs, whereas critics may argue about the effectiveness and reliability of alternative assessments compared to traditional standardized tests. Additionally, discussions might emerge regarding the adequacy of teacher appraisal systems as they relate to student performance, which remains a sensitive point within educational policy debates.