87R1632 JES-D
By: Middleton H.B. No. 4504
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to certain requirements and procedures concerning the
assignment of grades by a classroom teacher under a school
district's grading policy.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 28.0216, Education Code, is amended to
read as follows:
Sec. 28.0216. DISTRICT GRADING POLICY. A school district
shall adopt a grading policy, including provisions for the
assignment of grades on class assignments and examinations, before
each school year. A district grading policy:
(1) must require a classroom teacher to assign a grade
that reflects the student's relative mastery of an assignment;
(2) may not require a classroom teacher to assign a
minimum grade for an assignment without regard to the student's
quality of work; [and]
(3) may allow a student a reasonable opportunity to
make up or redo a class assignment or examination for which the
student received a failing grade;
(4) must state that a classroom teacher has the sole
responsibility to assign a student's grade without interference,
including interference by a school counselor or school
administrator;
(5) must provide procedures for protecting classroom
teachers from outside influence over grading decisions, including
procedures that protect a classroom teacher from being:
(A) forced to alter a grade; or
(B) bullied or retaliated against for an assigned
grade; and
(6) must provide for disciplinary action against a
district employee who engages in conduct described by Subdivision
(5)(A) or (B) or otherwise improperly attempts to force a classroom
teacher to change an assigned grade.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2021-2022
school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2021.