Texas House Bill HB3470

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 2/27/25

Caption

Relating to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools, eliminating the requirement to use public school assessment instruments as a criterion for promotion or graduation, and the temporary suspension of certain accountability determinations for a school district or campus in a school year in which the operations of the district or campus are disrupted as a result of a declared disaster.

Impact

The bill's provisions could fundamentally reshape how accountability is structured in Texas public schools. Eliminating standardized test scores as a requirement for graduation addresses ongoing concerns about the rigidity of current educational assessments and how they affect student success. Proponents argue that it is crucial to provide a more holistic approach to education that considers individual learning needs, particularly in circumstances where students may be adversely affected by external disasters. This change could lead to increased graduation rates and more engagement in students’ personal and academic lives.

Summary

House Bill 3470 introduces significant changes to the administration of assessment instruments in public schools across Texas. The bill aims to eliminate the requirement of using public school assessment results as a criterion for student promotion or graduation. This legislative change is particularly relevant as it seeks to adjust educational standards in response to disasters, allowing schools to temporarily suspend accountability measures during times of operational disruption. The outcome of this bill could redefine the assessment landscape for Texas students, particularly for high school students facing graduation requirements.

Contention

Notably, the adjustments proposed in HB 3470 could spark debate among educational stakeholders. Critics may argue that removing standardized assessments for graduation might diminish academic rigor and preparedness for post-secondary education or workforce entry. Furthermore, concerns regarding long-term educational outcomes could arise if students are not adequately evaluated. As this bill progresses, discussions will likely focus on finding a balance between easing assessment pressures and maintaining standards that assure student readiness for future challenges.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 12. Charters
  • Section: 257
  • Section: 258
  • Section: 260

• Chapter 18. Job Corps Diploma Programs
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 19. Schools In The Texas Department Of Criminal Justice
  • Section: 0043

• Chapter 25. Admission, Transfer, And Attendance
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 28. Courses Of Study; Advancement
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: 023
  • Section: 025
  • Section: 034
  • Section: New Section