Texas Senate Bill SB606

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of a school district of innovation to administer alternative assessment instruments to district students.

Impact

The bill is expected to modify existing state laws relating to educational assessments, giving innovation districts the autonomy to adopt assessments that may provide more relevant data on student performance. With national assessments potentially providing a different lens through which student learning can be evaluated, it is hoped that these changes will lead to improved educational outcomes. However, these changes carry implications for how accountability is assigned to schools since national assessments may not align perfectly with state educational standards.

Summary

SB606 aims to amend the Education Code to enhance the authority of school districts designated as districts of innovation by allowing them to administer alternative assessment instruments to their students. This bill permits the introduction of national norm-referenced assessment tools instead of the state assessment instruments typically required. The intention is to give school districts more flexibility in designing their testing and assessment strategies to better meet the needs of their student populations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB606 primarily revolve around the effectiveness and reliability of alternative assessments compared to traditional state assessments. Critics may argue that allowing districts to utilize non-state instruments could lead to disparities in educational accountability and outcomes. Proponents of the bill, however, assert that flexibility in assessment methods could lead to more tailored educational approaches that respect the diverse needs of Texas students, ultimately fostering innovation and improvement within the education system.