Bill > HB1095

This bill introduces several significant changes to student assessment and teacher evaluation in Texas public schools. It prohibits using student assessment results as the sole criterion for evaluating teacher performance or determining teacher compensation. The bill defines and encourages the use of "adaptive, growth-based assessment instruments," which are tests that adjust difficulty based on a student's demonstrated knowledge and measure academic progress over time, regardless of age or grade level. The commissioner of education is required to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education to allow school districts to develop and use these alternative assessment instruments instead of standard statewide tests. If granted, districts can implement new assessment methods that include at least two interim assessments per year - one at the beginning and one at the end of the school year - with electronic versions required to be adaptive. The bill also specifies that student improvement will be measured from the beginning to the end of the school year for evaluation purposes. These changes are set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, with the initial waiver application due by January 1, 2026, signaling a significant shift towards more personalized and growth-oriented student assessment strategies.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1095