FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2013

MEDIA CONTACT: Dineen Majcher DMajcher@TAMSATX.org

HB 5 Is Approved Unanimously in the Texas Senate

House Bill 5 is the comprehensive education bill that limits the number of EOC exams required to graduate and institutes new graduation pathways for high school students. Senator Dan Patrick, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, worked diligently to pass this bill out of his senate committee and to bring it to the Senate floor yesterday. A total of 29 amendments were heard on the floor, with 26 being adopted. The Senate voted 31-0 to pass HB5. Because of differences between the House version and the Senate version of HB 5, it is likely headed to a conference committee. TAMSA members actively contacted legislators over the weekend and Monday morning to make them aware of our strong stance against excessive state-mandated testing. This bill reaches a better balance on the number of statemandated End-of-Course (EOC) exams from the current 15 down to five: English I (reading and writing combined), English II (reading and writing combined), Algebra I, Biology, and US History. Having a more reasoned testing bill pass in both the House and the Senate represents huge progress. Floor amendment 25 was the most controversial amendment brought to the Senate floor. This amendment adds two optional EOC tests, Algebra II and English III. These tests were described as postsecondary readiness assessments and would be administered at the school districts option. The results cannot be used for student grades, graduation requirements, school accountability, or teacher evaluation. TAMSA strongly opposed these additional tests that have no valid purpose and are a waste of taxpayer money. Postsecondary readiness is already measured through SAT or ACT tests required under HB 5 and considered by colleges. The Conference Committee has the opportunity to reach settlement on issues that are in controversy. Senators that supported TAMSAs position on no more than 5 EOCs included: Kirk Watson (D-Austin), Brian Birdwell (R-Granbury), Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth), Rodney Ellis (D-Houston), Troy Fraser (R-Horsehoe Bay), Joan Huffman (R-Houston), Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville), Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), and Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo). TAMSA thanks these Senators, along with Senator Dan Patrick for their leadership and for standing up for Texas students throughout yesterdays debate. TAMSA commends Senate Education Chairman Dan Patrick for his leadership. He understands that more testing does not equate to more learning. We trust that legislators in both chambers will continue to listen to their constituents and support the enactment of HB 5 into law, states TAMSA President, Dineen Majcher. #### ABOUT TAMSA - Texans Advocating for Meaningful Student Assessment TAMSA is comprised of concerned parents and community members who are working to improve public education in Texas through the use of meaningful and effective student assessments that allow for more productive classroom instruction and more efficient use of public funds. Visit our website: www.TAMSATX.org Like our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/TAMSATX Follow us on Twitter: @TAMSATX