HB 17-1062

House Bill 17-1062, which has been signed into law, allows Colorado schools the option to decide whether or not to give certain state tests. These tests include social studies assessments and math and English language arts tests for ninth and tenth graders. Previously, these tests were mandatory. The bill also removes the requirement for the Department of Education to seek federal permission to administer the ninth-grade math and English tests. This means that schools now have more flexibility in choosing which state assessments they give to students.

Official Summary

Under existing law, each local education provider must administer the state assessments in math and English language arts to students enrolled in ninth grade and must administer the state-selected assessment to students enrolled in tenth grade. Each local education provider must also administer a state social studies assessment to students in one elementary-school grade, one middle-school grade, and one high-school grade on a 3-year schedule. Under the bill, each local education provider may choose whether to administer the state social studies assessments, the ninth-grade math and English language arts state assessments, and the tenth-grade assessment. The bill repeals the requirement that the department of education apply for a waiver to administer the ninth-grade math and English language arts state assessments to satisfy federal requirements. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

Votes