Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB847

Filed

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the inclusion of school climate in the indicators for evaluating the performance of public schools.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would require each school district to adopt a school climate performance rating system that is based on recognized research and national standards. This rating will be included in the overall evaluation of school performance, which could lead to new conversations about what constitutes effective schooling. Furthermore, it could prompt schools to take actionable steps to improve their climate, acknowledging that a positive environment plays a crucial role in student achievement and well-being.

Summary

House Bill 847 aims to include school climate as one of the key indicators for evaluating the performance of public schools within Texas. Specifically, the bill amends Section 39.053 of the Education Code to expand the criteria schools must meet when assessing their effectiveness. The intended goal is to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of school performance that goes beyond academic achievements and testing results, thereby incorporating an essential aspect of the educational experience that can significantly affect student outcomes.

Conclusion

House Bill 847 reflects a shift towards a more holistic view of education, integrating essential factors like school climate into performance metrics. This initiative represents a responsiveness to educational research emphasizing the importance of non-academic factors in student success. Consequently, the implications of this bill could not only reshape evaluation processes but lead to more profound changes in educational policy and practice.

Contention

Notably, there's some contention surrounding this bill regarding the implementation of subjective evaluations such as school climate. Critics may argue that including factors beyond standardized testing might complicate existing evaluation frameworks or could lead to inconsistencies across districts. Proponents, however, advocate for the necessity of a nuanced approach that takes into account the various dynamics of a school environment, which can significantly influence a student's academic journey.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4691

Relating to public school accountability, including performance standards and sanctions and public high school graduation requirements.

TX HB1035

Relating to an indicator of achievement for evaluating the performance of public elementary, middle, and junior high school campuses and districts under the public school accountability system.

TX SB475

Relating to the inclusion of a school safety domain for evaluating districts and campuses under the public school accountability system.

TX HB2661

Relating to eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

TX HB535

Relating to indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

TX HB5138

Relating to indicators of achievement under the public school accountability system.

TX HB4402

Relating to the administration of certain assessment instruments, the accountability rating system for assessing campus and district performance, public school career and technology education programs, and an extracurricular and cocurricular allotment under the Foundation School Program.

TX HB4967

Relating to public school accountability, including assessment of academic skills, performance standards and sanctions, and public high school graduation requirements.

TX SB2303

Relating to public school accountability, including assessment of academic skills, performance standards and sanctions, and public high school graduation requirements.

TX HB4514

Relating to public school accountability, including the assessment of academic performance, and district and campus performance standards and sanctions.

Similar Bills

TX HB2804

Relating to evaluation of public school performance.

TX HB2263

Relating to continued monitoring of certain public school campuses that have been assigned a campus intervention team and the approval and modification of a campus turnaround plan submitted by a school district.

TX HB1500

Relating to the public school accountability system.

TX HB79

Relating to the use of alternative assessment instruments for students in a special education program of a public school district.

TX HB61

Relating to consideration under the public school accountability system of performance on assessment instruments by certain students formerly receiving special education services and to the placement and use of video cameras in certain self-contained classrooms or other settings providing special education services.