TITLE: Relating to exempting students from certain end-of-course assessment instruments based on certain alternative performance.

SUMMARY: Relating to exempting students from certain end-of-course assessment instruments based on certain alternative performance.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to exempting students from certain end-of-course assessment instruments based on certain alternative performance. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 39.025, Education Code, is amended by amending Subsection (a-1) and adding Subsection (a-4) to read as follows: (a-1) The commissioner by rule shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on an [advanced placement test] international baccalaureate examination [ an SAT Subject Test] or another assessment instrument determined by the commissioner to be at least as rigorous as an end-of-course assessment instrument adopted under Section 39.023(c) may be used as a factor in determining whether the student satisfies the requirements of Subsection (a), including the cumulative score requirement of that subsection. The commissioner by rule may determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on a Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) [assessment] or a preliminary American College Test (ACT) [assessment] may be used as a factor in determining whether the student satisfies the requirements of Subsection (a). (a-4) The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's satisfactory performance on an SAT Subject Test or successful completion of a dual credit course, as determined in accordance with commissioner rule, may be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent subject as prescribed by Subsection (a), including the cumulative score requirement of that subsection. The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's score of three or higher on an advanced placement test in a subject may be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in an equivalent subject as prescribed by Subsection (a), including the cumulative score requirement of that subsection. The commissioner shall determine a method by which a student's overall score on or score on a portion of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT), determined by the commissioner in consultation with the commissioner of higher education to be equal to or higher than the minimum score acceptable for admission to a public institution of higher education in this state, may be used to satisfy the requirements concerning an end-of-course assessment instrument in one or more appropriate subjects as prescribed by Subsection (a), including the cumulative score requirement of that subsection. The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary for the administration of this subsection. SECTION 2. Section 39.023(o), Education Code, is repealed. SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.