SB 1 passed the Senate by a 31 to 0 vote and is now being considered by the House Education Committee chaired by Representative Paul Sadler. Senator Bivins implements Commissioner Moses' recommendations to strengthen the statewide student assessment program. This bill addresses TBEC's goal of filling significant gaps in student assessment at the high school level. It moves the exit-level assessment from grade 10 to 11, retains a similar set of assessments at 10 th grade, and adds reading and math assessments at the 9 th grade. The bill also brings an important emphasis to the teaching and learning of science in elementary school by adding a science test in the 5 th grade.
Testing is always a controversial issue.
Despite the improved performance of all Texas student groups over the past few years as a direct result of TAAS and the accountability system, some critics always see tests as obstacles that certain students will not be able to overcome. TBEC supporters must help convince their representatives that these carefully researched proposals will help many more students succeed in high school and attain proficiency levels that prepare them for success in education and work after high school as well. TBEC believes that we must challenge all high school students and educators to meet higher standards rather than send some students a message that we do not expect them to do well in school. This is an important element of TBEC's legislative agenda. It will provide strong motivation for students to complete a rigorous course of study in high school consistent with the Texas Scholars Initiative.