The bill, S.B. No. 1418, amends the Texas Education Code to update the terminology used for certain assessment instruments administered to public school students. Specifically, it replaces references to the "ACT-Plan" with "PreACT" in multiple sections, including those related to the satisfactory performance of students on various assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. The bill clarifies that satisfactory performance on the PreACT can be used to meet end-of-course assessment requirements, while students who do not perform satisfactorily on the PreACT must take the appropriate end-of-course assessment instrument.

Additionally, the bill outlines the criteria for establishing an academic distinction designation for school districts and campuses based on student performance in postsecondary readiness. This includes the percentages of students who perform satisfactorily on required assessment instruments and those who achieve benchmarks on the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or PreACT. The bill aims to enhance clarity in the assessment process and ensure that students are adequately prepared for postsecondary education. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 39.0263, Education Code 39.202 (Education Code 39)