The Texas Senate Public Education Committee will be considering overhauling standardized testing and high graduation requirements. Committee Chairman Dan Patrick will hear public testimony on his bill to reduce the number of tests and allow students to focus on vocational training rather than college preparation. Groups from across the political spectrum have called for fundamental changes to how students are assessed. Parents have complained that students take too many tests and that the tests should not count toward the student's grade. Business groups complain that only strict accountability will prepare students for college and the workforce. A Houston Republican, Patrick's bill would allow students to specialize in four areas, with different course requirements for graduation.