Yesterday, May 27th, the Texas Senate passed their version of House Bill 4 (HB 4), known as the Committee Substitute for HB 4. This bill proposes major changes to how public school testing and accountability work in Texas—and it moves Texas one step closer to potentially replacing the STAAR test.
Here’s a plain-English summary of what happened during the Senate’s discussion and what it could mean for you.
🧾 What Happened in the Senate
During the floor discussion, Senate leaders emphasized their desire to eliminate the STAAR test and replace it with a new system that measures student progress more effectively and reduces high-stakes pressure. Some key takeaways from the Senate Session include:
- Eliminating the STAAR Test: The Senate reaffirmed their goal to eliminate the STAAR and replace it with a new testing structure.
- Three-Part Testing Model: The new system would include a beginning-of-year, middle-of-year, and end-of-year test to better track student growth.
- Teacher Input on Scoring: Reading and language arts assessments would include open-ended responses, which could be scored with teacher input and possibly optional regrading.
- Pilot and Phase-In: Lawmakers discussed the importance of a phased rollout, including pilot programs in year two and full implementation in year three.
- Limits on Lawsuits: The bill includes language restricting how districts can use public funds to sue the state over accountability ratings.
- Accountability Changes: The Senate version retains an A–F rating system, with updated indicators like college, career, and military readiness.
⚖️ Key Differences Between the House and Senate Versions of HB 4
While both the House and Senate versions aim to move beyond the STAAR, they differ in key ways:
| Feature | House Version | Senate Version |
|---|---|---|
| Test Type (Norm vs. Criterion) | Allows use of nationally norm-referenced tests in the design of new system | Also references norm-referenced tests; emphasizes growth tracking over time |
| TEKS Alignment | Requires assessments to measure Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) | Requires assessments to measure TEKS; notes that vendor tests must be adapted |
| Testing Schedule | Three checkpoints: beginning, middle, and end of year | Same 3-test model; Senate adds more detail about pilots and rollout timeline |
| Reading & Language Arts Format | No specific mention of question types | Requires open-ended responses with teacher input on scoring |
| Math Format | Not specifically revised | Similar to House; no major changes noted |
| Social Studies Testing | Silent on social studies | Restores social studies testing requirement |
| Science Testing | Includes science in tested subjects | Also includes science; no major change |
| Accountability Ratings (A–F) | Keeps A–F ratings; updates indicators (e.g., career readiness) | Keeps A–F; Senate version blocks ratings for some lawsuits |
| Lawsuit Restrictions | No major provisions | Prohibits using public funds for most lawsuits against TEA; allows rules challenges |
| Implementation Plan | General transition by 2027–2028 | Includes detailed 3-year pilot & phase-in timeline |
| Writing Component | Not explicitly discussed | Requires writing through open-ended RLA responses |
| Student Growth Tracking | Allows for growth measures across the year | Emphasizes student growth as a key accountability measure |
🛣️ What Happens Next
Before anything becomes official, the House and Senate must reconcile their differences. Here’s what that process looks like:
- Conference Committee: A group of lawmakers from both chambers will work together to resolve differences.
- Final Votes: Both the House and Senate will need to vote on the final compromise version of HB 4.
- Governor’s Signature: If passed, the bill goes to the Governor for approval.
As of today, nothing is finalized. We’ll be watching this closely.
📌 What This Means for Parents and Teachers
This isn’t the first time Texas has considered changing its testing system—and it won’t be the last. Testing in Texas has evolved many times over the decades. If you want a deeper look at that history, click here to read our blog post about the history of Texas testing.
The bottom line? Change is part of the process. Staying informed helps us respond with flexibility and resilience—both as educators and as parents. While we don’t know exactly what the future holds, we can be ready for whatever comes next by staying educated and keeping the conversation going.
If you’d like ongoing updates in plain English, join my email list here.
