TITLE: Relating to the creation of a task force to evaluate state assessment instruments administered to public school students with significant cognitive disabilities.

SUMMARY: Relating to the creation of a task force to evaluate state assessment instruments administered to public school students with significant cognitive disabilities.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to the creation of a task force to evaluate state assessment instruments administered to public school students with significant cognitive disabilities. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "STAAR Alternate 2 assessment instrument" means the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness Alternate 2 assessment instrument. SECTION 2. TASK FORCE ON STATE ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS ADMINISTERED TO STUDENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT COGNITIVE DISABILITIES. (a) A task force is established under this Act for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the STAAR Alternate 2 assessment instrument for significantly cognitively disabled students. (b) The task force is composed of at least 40 members appointed by the director of assessments for special populations in the Texas Education Agency. Each of the following groups must represent approximately one-third of the membership of the task force: (1) special education teachers who have experience working with significantly cognitively disabled students; (2) school administrators and school district central office administrators, with appointments reflecting the geographic diversity of the state; and (3) parents of significantly cognitively disabled students, and any community members with an interest in the subject of the task force, including university professors and other family members of significantly cognitively disabled students. (c) The members of the task force shall select an independent assessment expert group to assist the task force in the performance of its duties. (d) The director of assessments for special populations in the Texas Education Agency shall serve as the presiding officer of the task force. (e) The director of assessments for special populations in the Texas Education Agency shall make appointments to the task force not later than the 60th day after the effective date of this Act. The director shall fill a vacancy in the task force by the appointment of another person with the same qualifications as the original appointee. (f) The director of assessments for special populations in the Texas Education Agency shall call the initial meeting of the task force on or before February 1, 2016. The task force shall meet at the times and places that the director determines are appropriate. (g) The task force is not subject to Chapter 2110, Government Code. SECTION 3. DUTIES OF TASK FORCE. (a) The task force shall evaluate whether the STAAR Alternate 2 assessment instrument is an effective and appropriate assessment instrument for significantly cognitively disabled students. (b) The task force shall consult with the independent assessment expert group while conducting its evaluation. SECTION 4. REPORT. Not later than February 1, 2018, the task force shall deliver a report to the commissioner of education detailing the task force's findings and recommendations. The report shall be made available on the Texas Education Agency's Internet website. SECTION 5. EXPIRATION. The task force is abolished and this Act expires March 1, 2018. SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.