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What is HB5 and what is changing?

House Bill 5, or HB5, is new legislation that includes numerous school accountability reforms and changes the graduation requirements for students entering ninth grade in Texas high schools starting in 2014-2015. It is a post-secondary readiness bill, NOT a test reduction or career and technical education bill.

What are Performance Acknowledgements?

Performance acknowledgments can be earned for outstanding performance: in a dual credit course (12 college hours, GPA of 3.0) in bilingualism and biliteracy on an AP test (score of 4+) or IB exam (score of 5+) scoring over a certain level on the PSAT, ACT-Plan, SAT, or ACT earning a nationally or internationally recognized business or industry certification or license

What are endorsements?

All students entering ninth grade in 2014 MUST select an endorsement.

Endorsements are similar to college “majors”.

Students can pick an area of interest in line with their own personal career goals, and have a choice of one of the following areas of study:
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.)
  • Business and Industry
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Public Service
  • Multidisciplinary Studies

Which end-of-course (EOC) tests are required for graduation under HB5?

Algebra I, English I, English II, U.S. History and Biology are required to graduate under House Bill 5.
I heard STAAR modified tests will become obsolete. Will my special needs child have to take the regular STAAR exam?

All STAAR Modified assessments will be administered for the final time during the 2013–2014 assessment cycle. Further information regarding plans for the inclusion of this population of students in the general assessment program beginning with the 2014–2015 school year will be forthcoming from the TEA.

Can I “opt-out” of STAAR assessments?

Neither students nor their parents may “opt-out” of the STAAR assessments. State assessments are mandatory for all students enrolled in Texas public schools.

Parents may, however, TEMPORARILY delay instruction for their child under the following circumstances, as per Section 26.010 of the Educational Code:
  • A class or other school activity conflicts with parents’ religious beliefs
  • A class or other school activity conflicts with parents’ moral beliefs Parents may NOT remove a child from a class or school activity to avoid a test or prevent the student from taking a subject.

Should you have any questions or need more information, please contact your Assessment Program Administrator (APA) in GCCISD Student Assessment or the TEA Student Assessment Division at (512) 463-9536.