The bill, H.B. No. 159, aims to reform the assessment process for public school students in Texas by introducing interim testing and adaptive, growth-based assessment instruments. It prohibits the use of results from certain required assessments as the sole criterion for evaluating teacher performance or determining compensation. The bill adds a new section to the Education Code that defines adaptive, growth-based assessment instruments and outlines the conditions under which school districts can adopt or develop these assessments, contingent upon receiving a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commissioner of education apply for this waiver by January 1, 2026, and establishes that the new assessment methods will be implemented starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It also specifies that student improvement on these assessments must be measured from the beginning to the end of the school year. The bill includes provisions for the administration of interim assessments and allows school districts to contract with nonprofit organizations specializing in adaptive assessments.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 39.053 (Education Code 39)