I received an email from a friend yesterday and she included some information about proposed changes to the testing program down here in Texas -- and I like what I see.

• The bills are House Bill 2236 and Senate Bill 1031 (these bills are identical).

• There are 12 end-of-course tests: Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, English I, English II, English III, world geography, world history, and United States history.

• A cumulative score of 840, equivalent to a 70 average on the combined scores of the 12 end-of-course tests, is required.

• These tests will count 15% of the course grade.

• Each student who did not perform satisfactorily on any end-of-course assessment instrument when initially tested, shall be given multiple opportunities to retake that assessment instrument.

• Bill will take effect with the freshman class of 2009/2010

• Additional security controls.

• Eighth grade readiness test.

• State funded Pre-SAT test for all 10th graders.

Again, I find plenty to like in this -- not the least of which will be that my students will actually be tested on material from my 10th grade World History class, not their 8th grade American History class. That means there will be some real accountability on their part and mine.

Posted by: Greg at 11:21 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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