Texas House Bill HB3668

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation, and the temporary suspension of certain accountability determinations for a school district or campus in a school year in which the operations of the district or campus are disrupted as a result of a declared disaster.

Impact

The most significant impact of HB 3668 is on the Education Code, where it modifies the existing criteria for student promotions and graduation. Specifically, it suspends certain accountability determinations for school districts and campuses during a school year disrupted by declared disasters. This allows for a reassessment of how student success is measured and promotes a focus on alternative evaluation methods, such as classroom performance and teacher recommendations, rather than standardized test scores, especially during hardships faced by schools due to disasters.

Summary

House Bill 3668 aims to improve the administration of assessment instruments in Texas public schools by eliminating the requirement to use these assessments as criteria for student promotion or graduation. This legislative change addresses concerns that standardized assessments can disproportionately affect students, especially during times of crises such as natural disasters. The bill seeks to establish a more flexible approach to evaluating students' readiness for advancement in their education without the pressure of a standardized test determining their future.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 3668 appears to be supportive, particularly among educators and advocates for student-centered learning. Proponents argue that the bill recognizes the limitations of standardized testing, especially in an increasingly unpredictable world marked by natural disasters. However, there remains some contention, particularly from traditionalists who believe that standardized assessment is critical for maintaining educational standards and accountability.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns from educational policymakers regarding how to keep accountability measures accurate while allowing for flexibility in testing and promotion criteria. Critics argue that removing standard assessments might lower educational standards, leading to situations where students are not adequately prepared for the next educational level or the workforce. The debate centers on balancing the need for accountability in education with a sensitivity to student circumstances and unique situations arising from disasters.