H.B. No. 8 is a comprehensive bill aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency in Texas public schools through a series of amendments to the Education Code. Key provisions include the amendment of Section 26.005 to ensure parents have online access to state assessment instruments and results, as well as the introduction of a new section, 39.022, which establishes an instructionally supportive assessment program focused on progress monitoring. The bill outlines a transition plan from the current STAAR program to this new assessment framework by the 2027-2028 school year, requiring the Texas Education Agency to contract with a recognized provider and conduct field testing of new assessment items. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of teacher involvement in the assessment process and mandates the release of assessment questions and answer keys every three years.

The bill also introduces specific measures to support emergent bilingual students, allowing assessments in Spanish for up to three years and establishing a language proficiency assessment committee. It modifies the performance rating system for school districts and campuses, requiring annual ratings and introducing a "Not Rated" status under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program for local accountability plans, outlines the process for awarding distinction designations, and clarifies the actions to be taken if a campus turnaround plan is not approved. Overall, H.B. No. 8 seeks to improve educational outcomes by refining assessment practices, enhancing accountability measures, and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to support student learning needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 26.005, Education Code 39.022, Education Code 39.023, Education Code 39.0263, Education Code 39.0301, Education Code 39.304, Education Code 39.053, Education Code 39.054, Education Code 39.0541, Education Code 39.0542, Education Code 39.0544, Education Code 39.201, The following provisions of the Education Code 39.0531, Education Code 7.057, Education Code 39.001, Education Code 39.151, Education Code 7.056, Education Code 11.185, Education Code 21.4552, 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 39.203 (The following provisions of the Education Code 39, Education Code 7, Education Code 11, Education Code 39, Education Code 21, Education Code 26)