Texas Senate Bill SB1212

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the use of alternative or substitute exit-level assessment instruments to allow certain public school students to receive a high school diploma.

Impact

The legislation is designed to provide necessary flexibility for students who may not perform well on traditional assessment formats by allowing them to meet graduation requirements through alternative assessments. This is intended to reduce barriers for students who might struggle with the conventional exit-level assessments, thereby potentially increasing graduation rates and enhancing educational equity. By defining acceptable alternative assessments, the bill acknowledges diverse learning needs and acknowledges that standardized tests may not accurately reflect a student's capabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1212 aims to amend the Texas Education Code regarding the use of alternative or substitute exit-level assessment instruments for public school students. The primary objective of this bill is to allow certain students to receive a high school diploma if they meet specified assessment criteria. The changes proposed in this bill are particularly targeted at students who entered a grade above the ninth grade during the 2011-2012 school year or who repeated the ninth grade in that school year. These students are required to perform satisfactorily on a series of assessments defined by the Texas education system.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB1212 highlights the ongoing debate over standardized testing in education. Proponents argue that providing alternative assessments is crucial for students who excel in different learning environments and that it will facilitate a more inclusive education system. However, critics are concerned that too much leniency in assessment requirements could lead to lowered educational standards, potentially devaluing the high school diploma. The assessment's integrity is at stake as stakeholders consider how effectively alternative methods can gauge a student's readiness for post-secondary education or employment.