Relating to establishing a pilot program under which public schools may develop a portfolio method to assess secondary-level student performance for purposes of accountability and qualification for graduation.
Impact
The bill aims to amend existing education codes, particularly focusing on how student performance is quantified for graduation requirements. Under HB 989, the performance achieved through portfolio assessments will carry significant weight, comprising up to 65% of a student's overall performance for graduation qualification. Additionally, for performance ratings assigned to schools and districts, the portfolio method will account for 50% of the total performance score. This change is likely to incentivize schools to adopt innovative teaching strategies and enhance student engagement, potentially improving overall educational outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 989 proposes the establishment of a pilot program that allows public schools in Texas to develop and implement a portfolio method for assessing secondary-level student performance. The intention of this bill is to provide an alternative assessment option that can be utilized alongside traditional standardized testing, potentially offering a more comprehensive evaluation of a student's abilities and achievements. This portfolio assessment could vary in format, including written submissions, digital presentations, and even oral defenses, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills among students. The implementation would require districts to submit detailed plans to the state governing body by May 1, 2018, involving teachers and students in the process.
Contention
While the bill has many advocates who believe it will provide necessary flexibility in student assessments, there are concerns about its implementation and potential disparities in how schools execute the portfolio method. Critics may argue that such a system could introduce inconsistencies and challenges in measuring performance across various districts. Furthermore, there are apprehensions regarding resource allocations for training educators in the new assessment methods, with fears that underfunded districts may struggle to effectively integrate these changes. Despite these concerns, the bill seeks to call attention to the urgent need for adaptive assessment methods in the evolving educational landscape.
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.
Relating to accelerated instruction provided for public school students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments, indicators under the public school accountability system, and performance standards in public schools.
Relating to public school accountability, including the assessment of academic performance, and district and campus performance standards and sanctions.
Relating to the assessment of public school students and the provision of accelerated instruction to students who fail to achieve satisfactory performance on certain assessment instruments.
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.
Relating to establishing a pilot program under which public schools may use a digital portfolio method to assess student performance in grades three through eight for purposes of accountability and qualification for promotion.
Relating to establishing a pilot program under which public schools may use a digital portfolio method to assess student performance in grades three through eight for purposes of accountability and qualification for promotion.
Relating to eliminating the state-required assessment instrument in social studies and the United States history end-of-course assessment instrument and to establishing a pilot program to develop a portfolio method to assess student performance in those courses.