Texas House Bill HB108

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

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.

Impact

If passed, HB 108 would lead to amendments in the Texas Education Code to allow districts to create tailored plans for digital portfolio assessments. Each participating school district must involve a committee of educators, administrators, students, parents, and community members to ensure that the plans cater to the unique needs of their student populations. This inclusive approach is intended to foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders while aligning assessments with state educational standards.

Summary

House Bill 108 aims to establish a pilot program allowing public schools to assess student performance in grades three through eight through a digital portfolio method. This program seeks to integrate additional evaluation metrics beyond traditional standardized tests, focusing on a more holistic assessment approach. By incorporating diverse student work samples, the bill promotes the idea that assessments should encompass a variety of learning styles and abilities, revealing a broader understanding of student competencies essential for educational advancement.

Contention

Notably, the bill aims to reduce the high stakes associated with standardized testing by allowing the digital portfolio assessment to constitute 50% of a student's overall performance rating. Critics may argue that such a shift could complicate the accountability structure by introducing variability in assessment methods across districts. Furthermore, concerns over the implementation effectiveness and the potential unequal access to technology among various regions could fuel debate on whether the digital portfolio method truly serves all students equitably.