S.B. No. 1962 seeks to amend various sections of the Education Code in Texas to enhance the assessment and accountability framework for public schools. A significant feature of the bill is the introduction of an "Instructionally Supportive Assessment System," which aims to streamline student assessments and align them with essential knowledge and skills as defined by the State Board of Education. The bill mandates that this new assessment system prioritize student learning and provide technical assistance to school districts, with a transition to new assessment instruments planned for the 2027-2028 school year. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to appeals of agency actions, allowing individuals to appeal decisions to a district court in Travis County, and removes specific references to the University Interscholastic League competitions in the context of accountability exemptions.

The bill also includes provisions for the appointment of a conservator to oversee school districts or charter schools that engage in legal action against the state, ensuring compliance with the Education Code. It establishes a Local Accountability Grant Program to support districts in developing local accountability systems and modifies the performance rating system to increase rigor and transparency. Furthermore, the bill repeals certain provisions of the Education Code while maintaining existing rules until amended by the commissioner of education. The changes are set to take effect starting with the 2022-2023 school year for some sections and the 2027-2028 school year for others, with immediate effect contingent on a two-thirds vote from both legislative houses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 7.057, Education Code 11.182, 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 7, Labor Code 312, Education Code 11, 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 39.022, 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, Subchapter Z, Chapter A, Education Code 7.057, Labor Code 312.003, Education Code 39.102 (Education Code 7, Labor Code 312, Education Code 11, Subchapter Z, Chapter A, Education Code 7, Education Code 39)