H.B. No. 277 seeks to improve the assessment framework in Texas public schools by establishing an instructionally supportive assessment program. The bill amends the Education Code to introduce new requirements for assessment instruments, emphasizing annual performance goals in reading language arts and mathematics. Key provisions include the necessity for assessments to be grounded in scientific research, capable of tracking student progress, and designed to pinpoint specific skills that require targeted instruction. Additionally, school districts are mandated to prioritize supplemental instruction in these subjects when necessary. The bill also introduces a new section dedicated to providing actionable information to educators, students, and parents, while ensuring stability in the assessment program with room for modifications.

Moreover, the bill proposes several amendments to enhance the evaluation of emergent bilingual students and overall student performance. It mandates the adoption of a norm-referenced assessment system for emergent bilingual students, ensuring their performance is included in various reporting systems. The bill specifies the need for nationally comparative results for state assessments and expands evaluation criteria to include indicators such as college readiness benchmarks and industry certifications. Notably, the term "norm-referenced" assessments is inserted in place of "developed" assessments, and new requirements are established for schools with low performance ratings, linking grant compliance to student performance in reading language arts. These changes are set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, with provisions for immediate implementation if passed by a two-thirds majority in both legislative houses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 11.185, Education Code 21.4552, Education Code 29.056, Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.027, Education Code 39.028, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 39.203 (Education Code 21, Education Code 29, Education Code 39, Education Code 11)