H.B. No. 134 seeks to reform public school accountability in Texas by significantly reducing the number of state-required accountability exams to align with the minimum standards set by federal law. The bill introduces an "instructionally supportive assessment program" that replaces existing state assessments with nationally normed assessments designed to provide flexibility for school districts and charter schools. These new assessments will focus on progress monitoring and instructional growth while ensuring compliance with federal requirements. The State Board of Education is responsible for creating this program, which aims to deliver valuable insights into student achievement and learning progress to stakeholders, including public schools, parents, and education researchers.

The bill also amends various sections of the Education Code, establishing new requirements for end-of-course assessment instruments and introducing specific performance indicators for campuses serving students from prekindergarten through eighth grade. Key changes include the prohibition of considering assessment performance for students in prekindergarten through second grade, limiting supplemental instruction to essential subject areas, and enhancing parental access to assessment results. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement in student performance and aims to eliminate achievement gaps based on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. It will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year and includes a repeal of a specific section of the Education Code.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.0237, Education Code 29.056, Education Code 26.005, Education Code 39.203, Education Code 39.053 (Education Code 29, Education Code 26, Education Code 39)