Bill > HB159

This bill introduces significant changes to student assessment and teacher evaluation in Texas public schools by implementing a new approach to testing. The legislation prohibits using student assessment results as the sole criterion for evaluating teacher performance or determining teacher compensation. More importantly, it allows school districts to adopt adaptive, growth-based assessment instruments that adjust difficulty levels for each student and measure academic progress over time, instead of using traditional standardized tests. The bill requires the Texas education commissioner to seek a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education to allow this alternative testing approach, which would involve administering at least two interim assessments per school year - one at the beginning and one at the end. These new assessment instruments must be electronic and adaptive, potentially developed in partnership with nonprofit organizations specializing in such tools. Students' academic improvement will be measured from the beginning to the end of the school year, providing a more personalized view of learning progress. The changes are set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, giving educational institutions time to prepare for the new assessment methodology. By focusing on individual student growth rather than fixed standardized testing, the bill aims to create a more nuanced and supportive approach to measuring educational achievement.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB159