H.B. No. 4 seeks to amend the Education Code to enhance the assessment and accountability framework for public schools in Texas. Key provisions include the prohibition of exemptions or waivers from accountability requirements, the introduction of a new system for school districts and charter schools to seek declaratory judgments on adopted rules within six months, and the establishment of a supportive assessment system that prioritizes student learning. The bill mandates the development of end-of-year assessments and optional progress monitoring assessments to be implemented by the 2027-2028 school year, emphasizing shorter assessments that provide timely results. Additionally, it allows for the adoption of a nationally recognized norm-referenced assessment instrument and provisions for assessments in Spanish for emergent bilingual students.

The bill also enhances the authority of the commissioner of education regarding accountability and intervention processes, allowing for intervention if a district engages in legal action against the state. It introduces a new performance rating system for districts and campuses, requiring transparency in performance ratings and establishing a Local Accountability Grant Program. Furthermore, the bill clarifies conditions for "Not Rated" designations and mandates that interventions continue even if performance ratings are enjoined. Overall, H.B. No. 4 aims to improve educational outcomes, maintain accountability, and ensure that the assessment process meets the diverse needs of students while aligning with high standards for performance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 7.056, Education Code 7.057, Education Code 11.182, Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.0238, Education Code 39.026, Education Code 39.027, Education Code 39.029, Education Code 39.030, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 39.054, Education Code 39.0541, Education Code 39.0542, Education Code 39.151, Education Code 39.201, Subchapter Z, Chapter A, Education Code 7.057, Labor Code 312.003, Education Code 39.102 (Education Code 11, Education Code 7, Labor Code 312, Subchapter Z, Chapter A, Education Code 7, Education Code 39)
House Committee Report: Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.0237, Education Code 39.028, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 39.054, Education Code 39.0541, Education Code 39.0542, Education Code 39.0544, Education Code 39.203 (Education Code 11, Education Code 7, Labor Code 312, Subchapter Z, Chapter A, Education Code 7, Education Code 39)
Engrossed: Education Code 11.185, Education Code 21.4552, Education Code 26.005, Education Code 29.056, Education Code 29.1543, Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.0237, Education Code 39.027, Education Code 39.028, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 39.054, Education Code 39.0541, Education Code 39.0542, Education Code 39.0544, Education Code 39.203 (Education Code 11, Education Code 7, Education Code 26, Education Code 29, Education Code 21, Labor Code 312, Subchapter Z, Chapter A, Education Code 7, Education Code 39)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 7.056, Education Code 7.057, Education Code 11.182, Education Code 39.001, Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.0238, Education Code 39.026, Education Code 39.0263, Education Code 39.027, Education Code 39.028, Education Code 39.029, Education Code 39.030, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 39.054, Education Code 39.0541, Education Code 39.0542, Education Code 39.151, Education Code 39.201, Labor Code 312.003, Education Code 39.102 (Education Code 11, Education Code 7, Education Code 26, Education Code 29, Education Code 21, Labor Code 312, Subchapter Z, Chapter A, Education Code 7, Education Code 39)