H.B. No. 56 seeks to improve the assessment framework in Texas public schools by introducing an instructionally supportive assessment program. The bill includes new assessment instruments for evaluating student performance in reading language arts and mathematics, mandates annual goals for student growth, and requires school districts to provide targeted professional development for early-grade teachers. It also emphasizes the importance of monitoring student progress and providing actionable information to educators and parents. Additionally, the bill modifies the selection criteria for teachers in literacy achievement academies to prioritize those in schools with a high percentage of educationally disadvantaged students and establishes criteria for assessing emergent bilingual students.

Key amendments to the existing education assessment framework include the insertion of "norm-referenced" assessments in place of "developed" assessments, the requirement for detailed diagnostic reports to be provided to teachers and parents within 24 hours of assessment completion, and the establishment of instructional growth projections based on individual student results. The bill also specifies that students in advanced courses may be exempt from certain assessments and prohibits the adoption of assessment instruments based on common core state standards. Furthermore, it mandates independent validation of assessment instruments and requires the commissioner to adopt a norm-referenced assessment system for emergent bilingual students. These changes aim to create a balanced assessment program that aligns with individual student needs and educational standards, with provisions set to take effect in the 2026-2027 school year.

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 29, Education Code 11, Education Code 39, Education Code 21)