Leaders appoint members to school accountability panel

An analysis of SB 1031 by the Senate Research Center notes that there were perceived flaws in the state's standardized test system.

"While improving the educational attainment of students, the cumulative Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) testing regime has had unintended consequences," the analysis noted. "Students are provided with a single avenue to success and may not achieve the level of college readiness they are truly capable of because TAKS tests are generic and shallow in scope."

The bill's sponsors expressed concern over the effect the TAKS test was on having teachers in the classroom. They said that many teachers do not focus on the "richness" of the curriculum for a particular subject, instead spending time preparing students for these tests because the teachers are evaluated on their students' performance on the tests.

SB 1031 will phase out the TAKS testing regime at the high school level and replace it with end-of-course exams in the four core subject areas-English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.

These assessments are course-specific, and are designed to have teachers focus on the subject matter rather than "teaching to the test." Performance on these assessments will still be used to set accountability standards for schools. Students will be required to achieve a cumulative score across all subject areas to meet graduation requirements.

The bill also requires that students be assessed at the eighth and tenth grade levels to determine their level of college readiness so that any deficiencies can be identified and addressed prior to a student's senior year. It also authorizes students to take the college entrance exam of their choice, at the state's expense, to encourage college enrollment.

The recommendations of the Select Committee are due in December.