Texas House Bill HB3692

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to appraisal criteria for assessing performance of public school teachers.

Note

HB 3692 is set to have its provisions take effect starting with the 2017-2018 school year, which underscores the urgency for school districts to adapt their evaluation practices should the bill be enacted. Furthermore, the bill includes a provision for immediate effect if it secures a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative houses, reflecting the legislative priority placed on revising teacher performance evaluation criteria.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant for educational policy in Texas. By focusing on observable behaviors and classroom management rather than student test scores, the bill aims to foster a more supportive evaluation framework for teachers. Proponents believe this shift will lead to a more holistic understanding of teacher performance, one that encourages teaching strategies that promote emotional and social development within classrooms. The change is positioned to advance educational practices and better support teachers in their professional roles, potentially influencing long-term student outcomes through improved teaching conditions.

Summary

House Bill 3692 proposes amendments to the existing appraisal criteria used for assessing the performance of public school teachers in Texas. Specifically, it requires the commissioner to develop a recommended process and criteria that are grounded in observable and job-related behaviors. This approach emphasizes teachers' implementation of discipline management procedures, as well as the educational outcomes of their students. However, it stipulates that evaluations should not factor in performance based on student assessment results given under Section 39.023, essentially decoupling teacher evaluations from standardized test scores.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, HB 3692 may spark contention regarding how the proposed appraisal criteria are interpreted and applied by school districts. Critics might argue that while the emphasis on observable behaviors is valuable, the complete exclusion of standardized testing results could overlook critical aspects of student academic achievement. There could be concerns regarding accountability, as the success or failure of a teaching approach might not be adequately assessed without considering the impact on students' academic performance as measured by standardized tests.