Texas House Bill HB4390

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 3/11/25

Caption

Relating to parental rights regarding the use of machine grading to score certain portions of assessment instruments administered to public school students in this state.

Impact

The bill will enable parents to request a rescoring of their child’s assessment by traditional methods if the initial machine scoring resulted in an unsatisfactory performance. This provision aims to provide parents an avenue for ensuring fairness and accuracy in their child's evaluations, potentially impacting the educational landscape by promoting a preference for human oversight in grading processes. The proposed changes are set to take effect for the 2025-2026 school year, allowing educational institutions time to adjust their assessment protocols.

Summary

House Bill 4390 addresses the use of machine grading, including artificial intelligence, in public school assessments. The bill mandates that parents must be notified if their child's constructed responses are scored by machine grading systems. This is intended to enhance transparency between educational agencies and parents regarding assessment practices. Written communication will inform parents not only of the use of machine grading but also of their rights concerning the grading methods used in evaluating their child's academic performance.

Contention

While the bill is designed to empower parents, it may introduce logistical challenges for educational institutions. Some stakeholders might argue that the requirement for rescoring could lead to increased administrative burdens. Moreover, there may be concerns regarding the implications of such changes for the assessment's efficiency and validity. As educational institutions adapt to new technological advancements, balancing machine grading efficiency with parental rights and opinions will be crucial.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: 023