Bill > HB298

This bill introduces a comprehensive overhaul of the state's assessment program for public schools, transitioning from the current State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) to an "instructionally supportive assessment program" by the 2027-2028 school year. The bill aims to create a more balanced, innovative, and student-centered approach to academic testing, with key provisions including the development of beginning-of-year, middle-of-year, and end-of-year assessment instruments that are designed to provide more meaningful information about student learning progress. The new assessment program will focus on providing actionable information to schools, students, parents, and teachers, with an emphasis on measuring individual student growth, aligning with essential knowledge and skills, and minimizing disruption to educational programs. The bill mandates a gradual transition, with field testing of new assessment questions occurring during the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 school years, and requires the Texas Education Agency to contract with a nationally recognized assessment provider. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for studying the readability and appropriateness of test items, ensuring that assessment instruments are grade-level appropriate, and providing more flexibility for schools in administering assessments, including options for alternative assessment instruments and accommodations for students with special needs.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=891&Bill=HB298