Bill Caption

Relating to the electronic administration of certain required assessment instruments, measures to support Internet connectivity for purposes of those assessment instruments, and the adoption and administration of certain optional interim assessment instruments.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-­year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB 1171, Committee Report 1st House, Substituted: a negative impact of ($4,000,000) 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

Bill Analysis

SB 1171 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.

SB 1171 would also limit the number of multiple-choice questions on an assessment instrument to no more than 75% of the total questions. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

SB 1171 continues the implementation process of transitioning to electronic administration of STAAR testing. Texas Action remains neutral on SB 1171 which addresses an administrative issue and does not affect our liberty principles.