ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: ED DPA 8-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 28-1-1-0

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SB 1028: alternative assessment study committee

Sponsor: Senator Barto, LD 15

Committee on Education

Overview

Establishes the Alternative Assessment Study Committee (Study Committee).

History

Federal law requires all students with disabilities to be included in all state and districtwide assessment programs, provided that students are afforded appropriate accommodations and alternate assessments as indicated in their individualized education program (IEP) (20 U.S.C. § 1412). State statute exempts students who receive special education from being required to achieve passing scores on the statewide assessment or the mandated civics test in order to graduate from high school (unless the student meets specified criteria) (A.R.S. § 15-763).

The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is an alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. The assessment is administered by the Arizona Department of Education in English language arts and mathematics for students in the 3rd-8th and 11th grades. To be eligible to participate in the MSAA, students must have an IEP.

However, federal law prohibits states from using an alternate assessment for more than 1% of the total number of students in the state who are assessed in a subject (20 U.S.C. § 70). In 2018, the U.S. Department of Education granted Arizona a one-year waiver from this cap.

Arizona public schools are required to develop policies and procedures to provide special education to all students with disabilities and to ensure that these students receive special education programming that corresponds to their abilities and needs (A.R.S. § 15-763).

Special education means specially designed instruction that meets the unique needs of a child with a disability and that is provided at no cost to parents (A.R.S. § 15-761). Special education also refers to the adjustment of environmental factors, modification of course of study and adaptation of teaching methods, materials and techniques to provide educationally for children who are gifted or have a disability and are between the ages of 3 and 21 (A.R.S. § 15-1201).

Provisions

1. Establishes the Study Committee that consists of:

a) The following members who are appointed by the President of the Senate (President):

i. Three members of the Senate, one of whom is from the minority party and one of whom is designated as the chairperson;

ii. Two parents of special education students; and

iii. One person with expertise in alternative assessments.

b) The following members who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (Speaker):

i. Three members of the House of Representatives, one of whom is from the minority party;

ii. Two special education teachers; and

iii. One school district superintendent or their designee.

c) The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) or their designee. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires the Study Committee to discuss and evaluate:

a) How Arizona 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;

b) Accommodations provided to special education students while taking assessments;

c) Guidance on properly identifying students for the alternative assessment;

d) Professional development opportunities for special education educators and school administrators; and

e) Developing a parent guidebook on assessments for students with special needs. (Sec. 1)

3. Directs the Study Committee, by December 1, 2021, to submit a report of its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the Governor, SPI, Speaker, President and Secretary of State. (Sec. 1)

4. Repeals the Study Committee on July 1, 2022. (Sec. 1)

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                  SB 1028

Initials CH/AN       Page 0 Education

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