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Relating to the electronic administration of certain required
assessment instruments, measures to support Internet connectivity
for purposes of those assessment instruments, the adoption and
administration of certain optional interim assessment instruments,
the review and use of the instructional materials and technology
allotment, and requests for production of instructional materials.
materials.), Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted
Estimated Twoyear Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB3261, Committee Report 2nd
House, Substituted : a negative impact of ($4,200,000) through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to
implement the provisions of the bill.
HB 3261 would require that all assessment instruments required in grades three through eight, end-of-course assessments, and assessment instruments given in Spanish, be administered electronically unless otherwise provided by commissioner rule. The bill also allows the instructional materials and technology allotment given to school districts be used to pay for adequate internet connectivity and training of personnel on the electronic administration of assessment instruments. Additionally, the bill would allow the commissioner of education to establish a matching grant program to ensure that all school districts and open-enrollment charter schools have the necessary infrastructure to administer assessment instruments electronically.
HB 3261 would also limit the number of multiple-choice questions on an assessment instrument to no more than 75% of the total questions.
HB 3261 continues the implementation process of transitioning to electronic administration of STAAR testing. Texas Action remains neutral on HB 3261 which addresses an administrative issue and does not affect our liberty principles.