TFA opposes "teaching to the test" legislation in higher education

TFA opposes in the strongest possible terms companion bills that would bring exit exam testing in Texas to public institutions of higher education. The bills, HB 3828 by Rep. Geanie Morrison and SB 1029 by Senator Florence Shapiro would provide "performance" funding incentives for public institutions of higher education when their students achieve certain scores on standardized exit exams. Testifying on SB 1029 before the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education, TFA Executive Director Zucker observed that "teaching to the test" in K-12 was now widely considered to be a failure by the legislature itself and wondered why, since this is the case, the legislature would consider supporting a similar program for higher education. Zucker added that the legislation would not ensure excellence in higher education but rather mediocrity. HB 3828 has been voted out of the Higher Education Committee and is on the House General Calendar on Second Reading; SB 1029 has been left pending in the Subcommittee.

 

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