Texas House Bill HB378

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to eliminating certain state-required end-of-course assessment instruments not required by federal law.

Impact

The implementation of HB378 has the potential to significantly alter the testing landscape for Texas students. By eliminating non-federally required assessments, the bill aims to alleviate the assessment burden placed on students and educators, thereby allowing more room for personalized educational approaches. Additionally, it enables districts to make choices about assessments that may align better with their educational strategies without the pressure of these examinations influencing their accountability ratings. This could foster a more tailored educational experience for students based on local needs and priorities.

Summary

House Bill 378 focuses on the educational assessment framework in Texas by proposing the elimination of certain state-required end-of-course assessment instruments that are not mandated by federal law. Specifically, the bill amends existing provisions in the Education Code to allow school districts more flexibility regarding the administration of specific assessment instruments such as those for secondary-level courses in English II and United States history. It emphasizes that while these assessments may be retained, they should not be a requirement for accountability metrics, thus shifting the focus on alternative student performance measures.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers, educators, and stakeholders in the education sector. Proponents argue that it will reduce unnecessary testing and dependencies on assessments that may not accurately reflect student capabilities or educational quality. Critics, however, raise concerns that reducing assessments could hinder accountability and transparency regarding student performance across districts. The debate is rooted in contrasting philosophies on the balance between federal educational standards and local control over evaluation methods.