ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

House: ED DP 6-4-0-2

HB 2540: statewide assessment; accommodations; written form

Sponsor: Representative Taylor, LD 29

House Engrossed

Overview

Modifies the circumstances in which a school district or charter school may administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test.

History

The statewide assessment is adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) to measure student achievement of the academic standards in reading, writing and math in at least four grades designated by SBE. Statute authorizes SBE to also administer achievement assessments in social studies and science. SBE is required to determine the manner of implementation for statewide assessments. On request, a school district or charter school may administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test (A.R.S. § 15-741).

The statewide achievement assessments for the 2024-2025 school year are: 1) Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (3rd-8th grades); 2) AzSCI (5th, 8th and 11th grades); 3) ACT Aspire (9th grade); and 4) the ACT with writing (11th grade). The SBE-adopted English language proficiency assessments and alternate assessment will also be administered to eligible students during the 2024-2025 school year (Assessments Overview 2024-2025).

An individualized education program (IEP) is a written statement for a child with a disability that is developed in accordance with federal law and regulations. Among other requirements, an IEP must contain a statement of: 1) the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance; 2) measurable annual goals; 3) the child's progress towards meeting the annual goals; and 4) the special education, related services and supplementary aids and services to be provided (20 U.S.C. § 1401) (34 C.F.R. § 300.320).

A Section 504 plan is a written statement for a student with a disability that includes the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services that is designed to meet individual educational needs (A.R.S. § 15-731).

Provisions

1. Stipulates a school district or charter school may administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test pursuant to an IEP or Section 504 plan, to accommodate special circumstances or for religious purposes, rather than on request of the school district or charter school. (Sec. 1)

2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

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6. HB 2540

7. Initials CH/LN Page 0 House Engrossed

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