Changes to Texas Education System
The Texas Senate has passed a bill that could significantly change the way students are tested and schools are rated. House Bill 4, which now awaits approval from the House and Governor Greg Abbott, aims to replace the annual STAAR test with shorter exams administered throughout the school year.
What’s Changing with Testing
If approved, House Bill 4 would eliminate the STAAR test in favor of three shorter tests given throughout the school year. These tests would be compared to "nationally comparative results" for the same grade and subject, allowing for a more accurate measure of student performance. The results of these tests would be available within 24 hours, enabling teachers to adjust their instruction quickly to better support their students.
Impact on School Ratings
Beyond changes to testing, HB 4 would also overhaul how the Texas Education Agency (TEA) grades public schools. Currently, the TEA uses an A-F grading system, with STAAR scores making up the largest portion of the overall grade. These ratings can have serious consequences, such as the state taking over school districts. The proposed changes would require the TEA to release school ratings every year and update the accountability system at least once every five years, with legislative approval needed for major changes.
How Schools Are Currently Rated
The current A-F grading system has been a point of contention, with some arguing it does not accurately reflect a school’s performance. In 2023, the state used these ratings to justify taking over Houston ISD, the state’s largest district, after one high school received repeated failing scores. The new system aims to provide a more nuanced view of school performance and help schools improve.
Addressing Legal Challenges
HB 4 also addresses the legal battles that have delayed the release of school ratings in recent years. In 2023 and 2024, several school districts sued to block the release of A-F ratings, arguing that the state had changed its scoring system without enough notice. To prevent such delays in the future, the bill bans the use of public funds to fight the release of school ratings and creates a faster legal process for related lawsuits.
Protecting the Accountability System
The bill allows the attorney general to ask the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court to appoint a special three-judge panel to hear cases challenging how the state funds or oversees public schools, including its accountability system. This provision aims to protect the state’s constitutionally required accountability system and prevent taxpayer-funded lawsuits that delay the release of important information about school performance.
Conclusion
The passage of House Bill 4 marks a significant step towards reforming the Texas education system. By replacing the STAAR test with shorter, more frequent assessments and overhauling the school rating system, the bill aims to provide a more accurate measure of student performance and help schools improve. Additionally, by addressing legal challenges and protecting the accountability system, HB 4 seeks to ensure that the focus remains on students and their education, rather than on legal battles. If approved, these changes could have a lasting impact on the future of public education in Texas.
