On Monday, the House approved SB 1031, the end-of-course exam bill, on a voice vote. Several amendments were added to the bill that weaken student accountability. For example, students will no longer have to pass end-of-course exams to graduate. They can pass the course, with the end-of-course exam counting 25% towar their overall grade. In addition, the school accountability system will sunset in 2011 with no assurances that the replacement will be better than the current system. In sum, the actions taken today lower expectations for Texas public school students, rather than raise them. The final House vote will happen on Tuesday.