Relating to the United States history end-of-course assessment instrument for public high school students.
The bill amends various sections of the Education Code, specifically modifying Section 39.023 by adding a new section that outlines the requirements for the administration of this civics test. It establishes that passing this assessment, which requires answering at least 70% of the questions correctly, will be a condition of graduation. Special provisions are included for students in special education programs to ensure they receive the necessary adjustments to their assessments.
SB1288 addresses the requirement for a United States history end-of-course assessment for public high school students in Texas. The legislation mandates that beginning with students entering 9th grade in the 2018-2019 school year, they must take a civics test administered according to guidelines set forth by the school district and applicable educational authorities. The civics test is intended to ensure that students possess essential knowledge of U.S. history and government as they progress towards graduation.
Notably, there may be contention regarding the implementation of this bill given its emphasis on high-stakes testing for graduation. Discussion around SB1288 could involve debates about the effectiveness of standardized testing as a measure of a student’s knowledge in U.S. history and civics. Concerns may also arise over the fairness of requiring additional testing, especially for students with learning disabilities or those receiving special accommodations.
Moreover, the bill suggests that there will not be restrictions on the grade level at which students may take this civics test or limitations on the number of attempts to pass it, aiming to provide flexibility in how schools approach these requirements. This legislative change may promote civic education but could also lead to diverse opinions on its necessity and impact on overall educational quality.