House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session 2020

HOUSE BILL 2648

 

AN ACT

 

amending Title 15, chapter 7, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 15-744; relating to school instruction.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Title 15, chapter 7, article 3, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 15-744, to read:

START_STATUTE15-744.  Special education; alternative testing; rules

Notwithstanding any other state law and to the extent allowed by federal law, the state board of education shall adopt rules that allow a pupil to participate in alternative testing instead of the testing required pursuant to this article if the pupil is enrolled in a special education program and the pupil meets certain criteria as specified by the state board of education.  END_STATUTE

Sec. 2.  Alternative assessment study committee; membership; duties; report; delayed repeal

A.  The alternative assessment study committee is established consisting of the following members:

1.  Three members of the house of representatives who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, one of whom is a member of the minority party.  The speaker of the house of representatives shall designate one of these members as the chairperson of the study committee.

2.  Three members of the senate who are appointed by the president of the senate, one of whom is a member of the minority party.

3.  Two special education teachers who are appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

4.  Two parents of special education students who are appointed by the president of the senate.

5.  One school district superintendent or a school district superintendent's designee who is appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.

6.  One person with expertise in alternative assessments who is appointed by the president of the senate.

7.  The superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee.

B.  The study committee shall discuss and evaluate all of the following:

1.  How this state can improve outreach and professional development to ensure support for parents and educators of special education students who are not eligible for the alternative assessment.

2.  Accommodations provided to special education students while taking assessments.

3.  Guidance on properly identifying students for the alternative assessment.

4.  Professional development opportunities for special education educators and school administrators.

5.  Developing a parent guidebook on assessments for students with special needs.

C.  On or before December 1, 2020, the alternative assessment study committee shall submit a report of its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the governor, the superintendent of public instruction, the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate and submit a copy of this report to the secretary of state.

D.  This section is repealed from and after June 30, 2021.