Texas House Bill HB3114

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to eliminating performance requirements for public school assessments as a criterion for promotion in certain grade levels and the use of individual graduation committees to satisfy certain public high school graduation requirements.

Impact

The implications of HB 3114 on state education laws are profound. By removing stringent performance requirements tied to assessment scores for promotion, the bill may reduce retention rates among students who might otherwise be held back due to poor test performance. Moreover, it allows districts to consider other academic factors, such as teacher recommendations and overall grades, when determining promotion decisions. This could lead to a more holistic approach in evaluating student readiness, potentially benefiting a wider range of learners across different educational backgrounds and abilities.

Summary

House Bill 3114 addresses significant changes to public education in Texas, specifically concerning the assessment requirements for student promotion and graduation. The bill proposes the elimination of performance requirements from public school assessments as criteria for student promotion in certain grade levels. It also emphasizes the use of individual graduation committees for high school graduation requirements, thereby allowing flexibility in meeting graduation criteria. This bill aims to provide more equitable opportunities for students, especially those who may struggle with standardized assessments.

Contention

While proponents of HB 3114 advocate for its potential to create a more inclusive educational environment, critics have expressed concerns regarding the standards of academic rigor. Detractors argue that reducing reliance on assessment performance might dilute accountability measures within schools. They worry that without performance-based criteria, there could be less motivation for students to engage rigorously in their studies, which might impact the overall quality of education as schools adapt to these new mandates.