House Bill No. 3797 amends the Texas Education Code to update the terminology used for certain assessment instruments administered to public school students. Specifically, the bill replaces references to the "ACT-Plan" with "PreACT" in multiple sections, including the methods for determining satisfactory performance on various assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT. The changes clarify 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 meet various performance standards on assessment instruments, earn industry certifications, complete career and technical courses, and achieve benchmarks on the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and PreACT. The bill aims to enhance clarity in assessment terminology and improve the evaluation of student readiness for postsecondary education. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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