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Bill Would Eliminate Standardized Tests For Texas Students


Texas state law requires high school students to pass 15 exams in core subjects in order to graduate.

A Texas lawmaker wants to change standardized testing regulations. Representative Joe Deshotel proposed a new bill to completely scrap standardized tests. 

Deshotel said there is too much emphasis on testing and not enough on curriculum and electives that would better prepare students for life after high school.

"It creates a false sense that we are educating children because we test them a lot. It's a no-win situation if you can't pass these tests, and so many of our kids are having trouble passing," Deshotel said. "They are not having much time other than to get ready for these tests and it dominoes."

The Texas State Teachers Association does not necessarily see a need to eliminate standardized tests completely. Spokesman Clay Robison said the school system would benefit with fewer tests.

"The key to good education is good teachers; not testing," Robison said. "We need to see fewer tests, and give teachers time to really teach students how to critically learn, and not teach them how to take tests."

Deshotel said the bill to eliminate standardized testing is a push to put education back in the hands of teachers. He said Texas pays $100 million dollars a year to pay the testing industry to write the tests.

House Bill 1423 will be heard by the Publication Education Committee on March 12.

By Cassie Gallo