AUSTIN — Reaching for the STAAR’s, the government will give a passing or failing grade to the state standardized test that sets the bar for key performances by students and determines if a school district gets graded A through F. The bill, House bill 4, sponsored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R) in the Senate disagrees with many of the districts who have sued over the grading system.
The Senate passed House Bill 4 by a 23-8 vote giving the TEA more flexibil ity in keeping a check on how students are learning, keeping the social studies test and performing three tests over the school year to determine how students are fairing on their studies.
The House version favored grading students on a national level and eliminating the social studies test. It passed through the House with a near unanimous vote. Now, the House and the Senate will negotiate on the bill and see if a compromise can be found. If no agreement, then the school districts could be stuck with keeping the STAAR by default. Source: The Texas Tribune
