Accountability Bills Set for Hearing

SB 3 by Senator Florence Shapiro and HB 3 by Representative Rob Eissler are both scheduled to be heard in committee on Tuesday, March 17. An analysis of the bills appears later in this issue.

The bill, as filed, contains many good provisions for improving the public education system. However, there are several areas that are troublesome and need improvement. The following outlines TIER’s concerns and recommendations for SB 3 and HB 3. We are working with the authors to address these concerns in the committee substitute bills.

Postsecondary Readiness Standard: SB 3 does not establish a single definition and single base standard for postsecondary readiness—a standard that students must meet whether they choose to attend a four or two-year college, pursue industry training, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce. While earning a Standard Diploma may be acceptable as a choice that may be made by parents and their children, promoting two “postsecondary” tracks for the Texas Diploma without a single base standard will leave many young Texans unprepared for the training they need and the good jobs of tomorrow.

Recommendation: Reestablish a single postsecondary readiness standard—at least proficiency to Algebra II, English III, and future science and social studies standards—for all students regardless of the postsecondary path they choose.
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Articles in this issue of TIER CAPITOL UPDATE Volume1, Issue5

• Accountability Bills Scheduled for Hearing
• Full-Day Prekindergarten Bill Left Pending in Committee
• Federal Stimulus Funds for Education and President Obama’s Remarks
• Legislation Affecting Public Education

Read the entire issue in PDF