Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB384

Filed
12/20/16  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the scheduling of the administration of certain postsecondary readiness assessment instruments to public high school students.

Impact

The bill impacts the Texas Education Code by amending provisions that govern the schedule for administering end-of-course assessments. It requires the State Board of Education to make every reasonable effort to avoid scheduling conflicts with nationally recognized tests, enhancing the overall testing experience for students. This change is anticipated to improve outcomes by maximizing students' opportunity to perform well on pivotal tests that can earn them college credit or advanced placement.

Summary

SB384 is a bill aimed at modifying the scheduling of certain postsecondary readiness assessment instruments for public high school students in Texas. The main focus of the bill is to ensure that the administration of state-endorsed assessments aligns with nationally recognized assessments, thus preventing potential conflicts between the two scheduling instances. This alignment is expected to facilitate better preparation for students who are undertaking both state and national assessments, such as advanced placement tests and international baccalaureate examinations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB384 appears to be largely positive among educational stakeholders, particularly those focused on improving student outcomes. Supporters of the bill argue that by aligning these schedules, students will have a more streamlined assessment process, making it less stressful and more equitable. There may, however, be some concerns among educators about the implications of additional scheduling complexities that could arise from these changes.

Contention

While there is general support for the idea behind SB384, some educators and policymakers may express concerns regarding the feasibility of this scheduling alignment. There could be debates on the resources required to implement these changes effectively and whether the State Board of Education can practically achieve this synchronization without impacting other essential educational activities. The effectiveness of this bill will ultimately hinge on the ability of state education officials to manage these competing priorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.