The bill, H.B. No. 221, aims to eliminate certain state-required assessment instruments and end-of-course assessments that are not mandated by federal law. Key amendments include changes to the Education Code, specifically Section 28.0211(a-8), which now restricts school districts from providing supplemental instruction to students in more than two subject areas per school year, prioritizing mathematics and reading. Additionally, Section 39.023 has been revised to remove the requirement for assessments in social studies and certain end-of-course assessments in subjects like Algebra I, English I, and English II, while allowing for assessments in reading, mathematics, and science only as necessary to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new provision (Subsection q) that mandates the State Board of Education to adjust the number and frequency of assessments in response to any changes in the Every Student Succeeds Act that reduce such requirements. The bill also repeals Section 39.023(c-9) and specifies that these changes will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill will become effective immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.203 (Education Code 39)