THE TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IS HOLDING A HEARING ON K-12 STUDENT ASSESSMENT ON MAY 24, 2018

Dear Fellow Texans:

High-stakes testing is invalid and unfair.  This is different from assessment, a larger umbrella category the includes standardized testing.  There is no educational organization of any repute that supports the idea that high-stakes testing is valid and fair.  If you have the time, consider attending this hearing on May 24, 2018 either to be present in solidarity or to learn of alternatives.  They do exist.  It's painful to consider how severely our children have been harmed by this.  Let's stop harming children and consider not only more humane alternatives, but ones that encourage learning and student engagement.

Angela Valenzuela

THE TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COMMITTEE: Public Education TIME & DATE: 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 24, 2018 PLACE: E2.028 CHAIR: Rep. Dan Huberty

The committee will meet to consider the following interim charges:  Examine research-based options for evaluating student achievement beyond standardized test scores, including adaptive and portfolio assessments. Examine the scope of the current Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)in grades with the state assessment, including the format, assessment calendar, and the limits of instructional days, if any. Determine if it is appropriate to limit TEKS to readiness standards that can be taught in less than the school year. Review current Student Success Initiative testing and make recommendations on its continuation or repeal. Review the ability of the state to waive standardized testing for students with significant cognitive disabilities.  Examine programs in public schools that have proven results meeting the needs of and improving student achievement for students with disabilities, with an emphasis on programs specializing in autism, dysgraphia, and dyslexia. Recommend ways to support and scale innovative programs for these students, including providing supplemental services, or incentivizing public-private partnerships or inter district and charter school collaborations. Monitor the implementation and funding for the pilot programs authorized in H.B. 21 (85R) and review the Texas Education Agency's compliance with S.B. 160 (85R), which prohibits special education student caps. Public testimony will be limited to three (3) minutes.

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE AT PUBLIC MEETINGS Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need assistance, such as a sign language interpreter, are requested to contact Stacey Nicchio at (512) 463-0850, 72 hours prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.