Lawmakers Propose Ending Mandatory Passage Of TAKS Test

AUSTIN (AP) – The high stakes of the Texas achievement test would be minimized under a school accountability plan unveiled today in Austin.

Details came from leaders of the Texas House and Senate education committees.

Among the proposed changes:

The mandate for students in certain grades to pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills to be promoted — would be dissolved. The plan would base annual school performance ratings on three years of test scores, rather than the most recent year.

Those changes are expected to be welcomed by superintendents and teachers. They’ve complained about requiring students in grades 3, 5 and 8 to pass the TAKS before advancing.

Senate Education Committee chairwoman Florence Shapiro says districts could decide their own criteria for promoting students — using test scores, grades and whatever else is appropriate.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)