Governor Perry signs HB 5, cuts down EOC Exams

AUSTIN, Texas -- Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 5 on Monday, decreasing the number of end-of-course exams required for high school graduation and changing course requirements for high school students.

The law cuts the number of EOC tests from 15 to five, and no longer requires that exams constitute 15 percent of a student’s final grade.

“In the long-term, these revisions will have a great impact on the state accountability system for schools, charters and districts,” Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams said. “Work to transition and implement the requirements of House Bill 5 is under way at the Texas Education Agency.”

In addition, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, students will be required to take three credits each of math, science and social studies, still taking four credits of English. However, students must still take four years of math if they wish to be eligible for automatic admission to state universities.

The law also seeks to offer more options for graduation, offering “endorsements” for students in subjects reflecting career interests. Upon entering ninth grade, students select an endorsement, taking related courses throughout high school. Students may choose from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; business and industry; public services; arts and humanities; and multidisciplinary studies.

The field-focused curriculum is meant to provide career preparation for all students, whether they wish to attend a college or university, or join the workforce.