House Bill 637

Chair’s Name: Brooks Coleman

Committee:Education

House Sponsor: Brooks Coleman

HB 637 changes language regarding administering nationally norm-referenced tests. The new language allows each local school system to elect to administer, with state funding, nationally norm-referenced instruments in reading, mathematics, science, or social studies in grade three, four, or five and in grade six, seven, or eight, subject to available appropriations, with the assistance of the State Board of Education.

This bill comes to the Floor under the Modified Structured Rule.

Secretary Benton’s Opinion of the legislation:

This bill allows flexibility for school systems in giving norm referenced tests that are normally given in 3^rd, 5^th, and 8^th grade. This would allow testing in other grades. This reduces the burden on local systems especially at the 8^th grade level, where so much testing takes place.