HB 2503 Eissler / Williams

Establishes a technology literacy assessment pilot program in which participating districts assess student technology proficiency. TEA will adopt an assessment instrument to assess master of the technology TEKS to be administered in participating districts – the assessment instrument must be an existing product. The test will be administered each year to students in either 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade, as determined by the district, and districts will report student performance to TEA.

HB 3092 Hilderbran / Duncan

Provides that a student sent to a Texas Juvenile Probation Commission facility or a residential program is not considered to be a student of the school district in which the program or facility is physically located, so that the performance of those students does not affect the accountability ratings of the school district.

HB 3259 Branch / Shapiro

Establishes a program under which a participating school district administers international assessment instruments to students in the district. The commissioner will compare performance of Texas students with students of the same grade level in other countries, compare the international assessment instruments with state assessment instruments and state educational goals, and provide professional development for educators in the interpretation and use of results of the international assessment instruments. The program may be funded up to $2 million. The commissioner shall report results to the legislature, the governor and each school district.