Texas House Bill HB172

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to the consideration of the performance of students of limited English proficiency on state assessment instruments and inclusion of related information in campus report cards.

Impact

The implications of HB 172 could significantly affect the educational landscape in Texas, particularly for LEP students. By shielding these students from immediate repercussions related to their assessment performance, the bill promotes an environment conducive to language acquisition and academic growth. Educators and advocates suggest that this approach could lead to improved graduation rates and overall student achievement, as it allows LEP students the necessary time to adapt to new educational circumstances without the added pressure of punitive performance evaluations.

Summary

House Bill 172 aims to amend the Texas Education Code regarding the performance evaluation of students with limited English proficiency (LEP) in state assessment instruments. The bill proposes changes that would prevent educational authorities from lowering performance ratings for these students based on their initial assessment results for a period of two years after their enrollment in a U.S. school, unless the assessment is conducted in their native language. This change seeks to provide a fairer evaluation process for students still acclimating to an English-speaking educational environment. As a result, it aims to better reflect their true academic abilities without penalizing them for language barriers during their early years in education.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has garnered criticism from various stakeholders in the educational community. Opponents argue that the proposed amendments could dilute accountability measures for schools and may prevent early intervention strategies for students who might need additional support. Concerns have been raised about the long-term academic outcomes for students who continue to lag behind their peers in standardized assessments, raising questions about the efficacy of such an approach. The balance between providing support for LEP students and maintaining high educational standards remains a central point of contention in discussions surrounding the bill.