It seems to me that the new system would hold the course teachers' feet to the fire. If their students aren't passing these tests, it seem to me it would put the onus on the teachers to be sure that the students were learning what she/he is teaching.
I'm always for dumping a lot of responsibility into the individual teacher's lap. Of course I'm sure the teachers' unions will hate this.
Exactly. The curriculum will be weakened so that the students pass the end of course exam. You will have districts around Houston teaching four or five years below age level just so they pass the end of course exam.