Relating to the creation of a Texas Commission on Assessment and Accountability.
This bill is significant as it amends Chapter 39A of the Education Code, where it specifically prohibits the Commissioner of Education from assigning A through F ratings to independent school districts or campuses following the end of the 2020-2021 school year. By doing so, it aims to temporarily alleviate the pressure on schools facing sanctions based on past performance metrics, while the Commission develops new criteria and processes that could shift how accountability is evaluated in Texas schools.
SB1966 proposes the creation of a new body known as the Texas Commission on Assessment and Accountability, which is tasked with evaluating and making recommendations to improve the state's public school assessment and accountability systems. This commission will consist of 19 members appointed by various state leaders, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House. The appointments aim to reflect a diverse representation, including educators, business leaders, and members of the civic community, ensuring input from a wide range of stakeholders in education.
Notable points of contention around SB1966 include concerns from various educational stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of the current grading system for schools and whether the proposed changes will genuinely enhance educational outcomes. Opponents argue that without proper accountability measures, it may lead to a lack of transparency and standards in school performance evaluations. Advocates for the bill suggest that it provides a necessary overhaul that recognizes the diversity of student populations and seeks to create a more equitable assessment process.