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HB 297

Relating to eliminating certain state-required end-of-course assessment instruments not required by federal law and eliminating graduation requirements based on satisfactory performance on certain end-of-course assessment instruments.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by John Bucy

HB 297 removes Texas state-mandated end-of-course exams exceeding federal requirements and eliminates graduation penalties for poor performance on these tests.

Referred to Public Education
#educationagency #texas(v9941) #education--primary&secondary--testing(i0229)
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Bill Summary · HB 297

Legislative bill overview

HB 297 would eliminate Texas state-mandated end-of-course (EOC) exams that exceed federal requirements and remove graduation requirements tied to satisfactory performance on these assessments. The bill targets standardized testing requirements that go beyond what the federal government requires under education law.

Why is this important

This proposal directly affects how Texas high school students graduate, potentially reducing standardized testing burdens while maintaining federal compliance. It reflects ongoing debate about whether extensive state-level testing improves student outcomes or creates unnecessary obstacles to graduation and teacher instruction time.

Potential points of contention

  • Testing advocates vs. critics: Supporters argue excessive testing diverts classroom time from actual instruction; opponents contend EOC exams ensure accountability and measure college/career readiness
  • Achievement gaps: Concerns that removing testing requirements could mask disparities in educational quality across school districts without data to track performance
  • Federal compliance: Questions about whether eliminating state EOCs while keeping federal requirements creates inconsistent standards or actually streamlines assessment
  • Higher education readiness: Colleges and employers may lose standardized metrics for evaluating Texas student preparation compared to other states

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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