Texas Senate Bill SB837

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

The bill will impact the current education statutes that govern how student performance is assessed in Texas. By implementing digital portfolios as a part of the assessment process, the focus will shift from sole reliance on standardized testing to a more integrated evaluation that includes portfolios of student work. This change aims to promote more personalized education by allowing teachers to assess a student's understanding and skills in multiple dimensions, thus potentially reforming how success is measured within the educational framework.

Summary

SB837 establishes a pilot program that allows public schools in Texas to assess student performance from grades three through eight using a digital portfolio method. This initiative aims to modernize the assessment process by incorporating varied student work formats beyond traditional standardized tests. Through this method, students will submit various samples, which will be evaluated alongside existing assessment instruments, thus contributing to each student's overall performance metric. The bill intends to enhance educational accountability by providing a more holistic view of student capabilities and understanding.

Contention

While proponents argue that this digital assessment method better aligns education with contemporary practices and acknowledges diverse learning styles, some concerns have been raised regarding its implementation. Critics may express skepticism about the effectiveness of digital portfolios, questioning whether they can accurately reflect student performance compared to traditional assessments. Further, logistical challenges such as ensuring equitable access to technology across different districts, particularly in underfunded areas, could provoke debate among stakeholders about the feasibility of statewide adoption.