Texas House Bill HB3104

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the assessment of public school students in writing and English language arts.

Impact

The introduction of HB3104 is likely to have significant implications on state educational standards. By mandating local assessments for writing, the bill emphasizes the importance of writing proficiency and aims to ensure that all students meet a standardized level of achievement before they can receive a high school diploma. This aligns with the ongoing educational reforms within Texas aimed at raising academic performance metrics and addressing disparities in student assessment and success rates across different districts.

Summary

House Bill 3104 aims to amend various sections of the Education Code concerning the assessment of public school students in writing and English language arts. The bill introduces specific local assessment requirements that establish consistent evaluation measures across school districts for students in grades four and seven, as well as for those completing English I and II secondary-level courses. This legislative effort reflects an intention to enhance the educational standards related to writing skills as part of the state's curriculum requirements for graduation.

Contention

While proponents of HB3104 advocate for the necessity of rigorous assessments to maintain educational standards, there are notable concerns regarding the added pressure on students and educators. Critics argue that such mandates could disadvantage students who may not perform well on standardized assessments due to various factors, including socio-economic challenges or learning differences. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the appropriate methods for these assessments and whether districts have the resources to effectively implement them without compromising other educational priorities.