Texas House Bill HB977

Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

• Filed: 12/12/22

Caption

Relating to the creation of a Texas Commission on Assessment and Accountability.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would significantly alter how school districts and campuses are evaluated and held accountable for student performance. The commission will be responsible for making recommendations to the legislature regarding improvements and statutory changes needed to enhance the assessment framework. This includes addressing the peculiar impacts that current assessments may have on disadvantaged students and the need for assessment methods that account for the diverse educational needs of Texas's student population.

Summary

House Bill 977 seeks to establish the Texas Commission on Assessment and Accountability, which aims to lead improvements in public school assessment systems and accountability ratings. This commission will consist of 19 members appointed by state leaders, including classroom teachers, educational administrators, and representatives from the business and civic communities. The bill proposes a re-evaluation of the current A-F rating system for schools, particularly following the 2022-2023 school year, suggesting a shift toward more comprehensive evaluation methods beyond standardized assessments.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 977 has been largely supportive, with many educators and advocates seeing the potential for more equitable and fair assessment methods compared to the current A-F rating system. However, there are concerns among critics about the effectiveness of the proposed commission and whether it can yield tangible improvements in educational outcomes. The bill has sparked discussions about the significance of accountability in education and the best approaches to foster student success without exacerbating existing inequalities.

Contention

A notable point of contention is the future of the A-F grading system, which has been criticized for not accurately reflecting the quality of education provided in schools with high numbers of disadvantaged students. Stakeholders are divided on whether moving away from strictly standardized assessments could undermine accountability or provide clearer insights into school performance. The bill will require careful consideration and collaboration among diverse parties to ensure that the foundation of trust and effectiveness in educational assessment is upheld.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: New Section