Texas Senate Bill SB142

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to requiring the state auditor and the State Board of Education to conduct a review of certain assessment instruments administered to public school students.

Impact

The bill is expected to influence state laws surrounding educational assessments and the accountability of such programs. By requiring a thorough review of existing assessment tools, SB142 aims to improve the accuracy and relevance of testing methods in public education. The findings from this review will be compiled into a report to be presented to key state officials, such as the governor and members of the legislature, potentially leading to legislative adjustments based on its recommendations.

Summary

Senate Bill 142 mandates a comprehensive review of certain assessment instruments used in public schools. Specifically, it involves an examination of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) and the STAAR Alternate assessments. The purpose of this review is to evaluate whether these assessment instruments are genuinely capable of measuring student success effectively. This evaluation is to be conducted by the state auditor in collaboration with the State Board of Education, ensuring transparency and involvement from various stakeholders, including parents and educators.

Contention

While the bill is designed to enhance educational assessment standards, it may spark debate among educators and policymakers about the effectiveness of standardized testing overall. Some stakeholders may argue that changes to the assessment process can lead to confusion and added bureaucracy, while proponents believe it will ultimately benefit students by ensuring that assessments meaningfully reflect their learning and capabilities. Key concerns may arise regarding the involvement of parents and whether their feedback will be adequately considered during the review process.