The bill amends the Education Code to update the assessment instruments used for evaluating public school students in Texas, specifically replacing references to "end-of-course" assessments with "assessment instruments administered under Section 39.023(c)." This change is reflected in various sections concerning student performance evaluations, dropout rates, and graduation committee requirements. The bill emphasizes the necessity for school districts to provide accelerated instruction for students who do not perform satisfactorily on these assessments and outlines the responsibilities of individual graduation committees for students who fail to meet assessment requirements, allowing for alternative pathways to graduation.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for the selection of assessment instruments, including nationally recognized assessments like the SAT and ACT, while ensuring that these assessments are valid and reliable. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of the State Board of Education's role in administering end-of-course assessments and the requirement for certain assessments to be developed by the agency. New language has been added to ensure compliance with potential federal law changes regarding assessments. The bill also clarifies the definition of "college readiness" and mandates electronic administration of assessment instruments, aiming to streamline the assessment process and improve communication of results to educators and families. The changes will take effect starting with the 2027-2028 school year, unless an immediate effect is approved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 18.006, Education Code 25.005, Education Code 28.014, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 28.0258, Education Code 29.081, Education Code 29.087, Education Code 29.099, Education Code 39.0232, Education Code 39.0234, Education Code 39.0241, Education Code 39.025, Education Code 39.034, Education Code 39.035, Education Code 39.036, Education Code 39.203, Education Code 51.338 (Education Code 29, Education Code 18, Education Code 51, Education Code 25, Education Code 28, Education Code 39)