AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Currently, Texas public schools are assigned a performance label that reflects the performance of that school and/or district in meeting standards of student achievement, financial accountability, and the effectiveness of programs for certain student populations, among others. In recent years, these labels have consisted of exemplary, recognized, acceptable, and unacceptable.

 

Unfortunately, these labels are broad and lack specific meaning to parents and communities. S.B. 1408 seeks to change the labels to a performance rating of A, B, C, D, or F. These grade levels reflect a more universally accepted measure of campus and/or district performance. In other states where this change has been incorporated, increased community support of the local schools and districts has been widely noted. Because of a general familiarity with the meaning behind the letter grades, communities are more responsive to supporting the academic and financial success of schools.

 

As proposed, S.B. 1408 amends current law relating to public school performance ratings that reflect acceptable and unacceptable performance.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

Rulemaking authority previously granted to the commissioner of education is modified in SECTION 1 (Section 39.054, Education Code) of this bill.

 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

 

SECTION 1. Amends Section 39.054(a), Education Code, as follows:

 

(a)  Requires the commissioner of education (commissioner) to adopt rules to evaluate school district and campus performance and, not later than August 8 of each year, assign each district and campus a performance rating of A, B, C, D, or F. Requires the commissioner, in adopting rules under this subsection, to determine the criteria for each designated letter performance rating. Provides that a performance rating of A, B, or C reflects acceptable performance and a performance rating of D or F reflects unacceptable performance. Requires the commissioner, if a district or campus received a performance rating of unacceptable performance for the preceding school year, to notify the district of a subsequent such designation on or before June 15. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

 

SECTION 2. Provides that this Act applies beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

 

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2013.