Texas Senate Bill SB2401

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the administration of state assessments.

Impact

The proposed changes are set to take effect beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, thus potentially reshaping how state assessments are administered. Each reading assessment instrument will be required to have passages and questions developed at an appropriate reading level, as determined by reliable measures. The focus on readability aims to make assessments more accessible to students, which could positively influence educational outcomes. Failure to comply with these standards would prevent the administration of assessments until they meet the established criteria, positioning the bill as a means of improving educational equity.

Summary

SB2401 aims to amend the Education Code regarding the administration of state assessments in Texas. This legislation emphasizes the validity and reliability of assessment instruments by requiring that they be verified by an independent entity prior to administration. Furthermore, it mandates that assessments must be evaluated for readability by qualified educators, ensuring they are aligned with the essential skills and knowledge established by the State Board of Education. This approach seeks to enhance the quality of assessments and thereby students' educational experiences.

Contention

Discussion surrounding SB2401 may invoke concern regarding the balance of state control versus local autonomy in educational standards. Critics could argue that stringent readability requirements might limit the flexibility of schools to tailor assessments to their specific student demographics. Additionally, the necessity of independent verification introduces another layer of oversight that some may view as an added burden on school districts. Nevertheless, proponents assert that these measures are essential for ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, are assessed fairly and equitably.