Texas House Bill HB4514

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 3/9/23

Caption

Relating to public school accountability, including the assessment of academic performance, and district and campus performance standards and sanctions.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4514 would make significant changes to the Education Code related to how schools and districts are assessed and rated. It seeks to repeal certain existing provisions while introducing new requirements for evaluating performance based on a broader range of indicators. This could lead to a more favorable representation of schools and districts, as the bill mandates that local measures be considered when assigning performance ratings. Overall, this legislation has the potential to modify how accountability is perceived in the education system.

Summary

House Bill 4514 is designed to reform public school accountability measures in Texas by shifting the focus from traditional high stakes standardized testing to a more comprehensive evaluation of student learning and school performance. The bill proposes that school districts incorporate measures that allow for locally developed assessment domains and performance ratings while still adhering to state requirements. By doing so, the goal is to create a more nuanced understanding of student achievement and school effectiveness, moving beyond a singular focus on standardized test scores.

Sentiment

The sentiment expressed by various stakeholders regarding HB 4514 appears to be mixed. While some groups, like the Texas PTA, have shown support for the bill's intent to enhance accountability and improve assessment methods, concerns have also been raised about the implications of lowering the focus on standardized testing. Critics worry that without a balanced approach to accountability, essential performance indicators may be obscured, harming efforts to maintain educational quality.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 4514 include the debate over the reliance on standardized testing as a measure of educational success compared to a broader set of evaluation criteria. While proponents argue that reducing the emphasis on high stakes tests will allow for a more holistic view of student learning, opponents fear that this could lead to less rigorous standards and accountability structures. The discussion around this balance highlights ongoing tensions between different educational philosophies regarding assessment and accountability.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: 023
  • Section: New Section
  • Section: 0543
  • Section: 0544