November 2015 Committee of the Full Board Item 11

Update on the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability

November 18, 2015

COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION

SUMMARY: The committee will receive an update on the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability.

BOARD RESPONSE: Review and Comment.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: The 84th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2804 in the spring of 2015. The bill revises the state accountability rating system and it established the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability.

The legislation directs the commission to develop and make recommendations for new systems of student assessment and public school accountability. The recommendations are to address the purpose of a state accountability system and the role of student assessment; opportunities to assess students that provide actionable information; support learning activities; recognize the application of skills and knowledge; measure student educational growth towards mastery; and value critical thinking.

Commission recommendations will also address alignment of state performance standards with college and career readiness; policy changes to enable student progress; policy changes necessary to meet state goals, as well as policy changes that are community based, promote parent and community involvement, and reflect unique community needs.

The commission is composed of 15 members as follows:
• Four members appointed by the governor
• Three members appointed by the lieutenant governor
• Three members appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives
• The chair of the Senate Committee on Education or his designee
• The chair of the Senate Committee on Higher Education or his designee
• The chair of the House Committee on Public Education or his designee
• The chair of the House Committee on Higher Education or his designee
• A member of the State Board of Education who is designated by the chair.

The commission will develop a report that makes recommendations for statutory changes. The report is to be delivered to the governor and legislature by September 1, 2016. The commission is abolished on January 1, 2017.

Staff Members Responsible:
Gene Acuna, Director
Division of Communications and SBOE Support

Debbie Ratcliffe, Director of Media Relations
Division of Communications and SBOE Support