Bill > HB5353

This bill modifies the Texas education system's assessment and accountability framework by making several key changes. It shifts from criterion-referenced to nationally norm-referenced assessment instruments for students in grades three through eight, removing social studies testing and focusing on reading, mathematics, and science. The bill updates assessment requirements to align more closely with federal Every Student Succeeds Act guidelines, allowing for flexibility in testing and potentially reducing the number of required tests. For high schools, the bill replaces end-of-course exams with alternative methods of demonstrating readiness, such as SAT/ACT scores, Texas Success Initiative assessments, and indicators of college, career, or military preparedness. The legislation also introduces new performance evaluation criteria for schools, including indicators for extracurricular success, career and technology education, and student achievement across multiple domains. Additionally, the bill establishes temporary provisions for performance ratings and assessment scoring for the 2022-2023 through 2024-2025 school years, requiring the commissioner of education to use existing accountability standards. The changes aim to provide a more comprehensive and flexible approach to measuring student and school performance, with provisions to ensure fairness and consistency in evaluations.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5353