Texas House Bill HB988

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to establishing a pilot program under which public schools may develop a portfolio method to assess student performance in grades three through eight for purposes of accountability and qualification for promotion.

Impact

The implications of HB 988 extend to the Education Code of Texas, potentially altering how student performance is assessed for accountability and promotion eligibility. By integrating a portfolio assessment method, schools participating in this pilot program can utilize a variety of evaluative tools, including both formative and summative assessments. The blended approach allows for a more comprehensive view of a student's capabilities, aiming to ensure that evaluations reflect a broader spectrum of student skills beyond standardized testing alone, thus fostering a more holistic educational assessment strategy.

Summary

House Bill 988 establishes a pilot program aimed at allowing public schools to implement a portfolio assessment method for evaluating student performance in grades three through eight. This innovative approach combines traditional assessment methods with portfolio evaluations, seeking to improve accountability in educational outcomes while also providing flexibility in how student performance is measured. The program encourages school districts to develop their own assessment plans, which must include participation from teachers, administrators, and students, fostering a collaborative environment in educational strategy formulation.

Contention

However, the introduction of portfolio assessments may raise points of contention regarding the reliability and validity of such evaluations compared to traditional standardized tests. Critics could express concerns about the subjective nature of portfolio assessments, where performance may be influenced by the interpretation skills of evaluators. Additionally, there may be debates on the implementation logistics and the potential for disparities in evaluation quality among districts adopting the pilot program. Proponents argue that such methodologies could encourage deeper learning and engagement as students are assessed on a range of skills that contribute to their overall educational experience.