H.B. No. 298 seeks to establish an instructionally supportive assessment program in Texas public schools to enhance accountability for student achievement. The bill amends Section 39.022 of the Education Code, mandating the creation of this program, which will include progress monitoring based on essential knowledge and skills set by the State Board of Education. The program aims to provide actionable information regarding academic progress to schools, parents, and educators, while ensuring timely results for teachers and parents. Additionally, the bill introduces new sections, 39.0225 and 39.0226, detailing the transition from the current State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) program to the new assessment program by the 2027-2028 school year, requiring field testing of new assessment items and a study on their readability and appropriateness.

The bill further amends various sections of the Education Code to improve assessment instruments and accountability measures. Key provisions include the evaluation of assessment items for readability and compliance with federal law, as well as the design of instruments to report student academic growth. It emphasizes teacher involvement in the review of assessment items and outlines specific procedures for assessment administration, including timelines and reporting of results. The bill also establishes a pilot program for assessment implementation starting in the 2028-2029 school year and includes provisions for accommodating students with dyslexia. Overall, H.B. No. 298 aims to modernize the assessment process, improve educational outcomes, and ensure effective resource allocation in Texas schools.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.0263, Education Code 39.304, Education Code 7.056, Education Code 11.185, Education Code 21.4552, Education Code 26.005, Education Code 39.02342, Education Code 39.0236, Education Code 39.0238, Education Code 39.025, Education Code 39.027, Education Code 39.030, Education Code 39.031, Education Code 39.035, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 39.203 (Education Code 11, Education Code 21, Education Code 26, Education Code 39, Education Code 7)