AUSTIN, Texas-- It takes more than a dozen standardized tests to graduate from high school. But a Texas lawmaker wants to throw those tests out the window.
State law currently requires high school students to pass 15 exams in core subjects to graduate.
"It creates a false sense that we are educating children because we test them alot," argues State Representative Joe Deshotel.
Deshotel wants that changed from 15 to zero and pushing to completely scrap standardized testing.
"It's a no-win situation if you can't pass these tests," explained Deshotel. "And so, many of our kids are having trouble passing."
He says too much emphasis is put on testing and not enough on curriculum.
No tests means more time for electives. Deshotel says it will better prepare students for life after high school.
"The key to good education are good teachers, not testing," said Clay Robison of the Texas State Teachers Association.
The Texas State Teachers Association doesn't necessarily see a need to eliminate tests completely.
"We need to see fewer tests and give teachers time to really teach students how to critically learn, not teach them how to take tests," added Robison.
It's a push to put education back in the hands of the teachers.
"The testing industry is huge a huge deal," Deshotel said. "100 million a year the State of Texas pays to write these tests."
Deshotel says Texas will pay around $1 billion in standardize testing by the end of next fiscal year.
