Lawmakers are considering a measure that would significantly reduce school testing. The House passed a bill Monday that eliminates all tests that are not federally mandated. That includes five tests in the lower grades, and the seven end-of-instruction exams high schoolers take to graduate.
“This bill will result in more classroom time for our teachers to teach and students to learn,” the legislation's author, House Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, said in a statement. “It balances classroom time with accountability to ensure the billions of dollars Oklahoma taxpayers invest each year in our public schools is being used to improve the quality of education for our children.
State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister says these EOIs have become a burden to schools.
"Seven tests that are required that have really caused more of a test-centric focus in high schools all throughout the state,” Hofmeister said.
There are now 18 required tests under House Bill 3218:
- One English and one math test in each grade from 3 through 8
- A science test in grades 3-5
- A science test in grades 6-9
- High school tests in English, math, science, and U.S history.
Seventeen of those tests – U.S. history is the exception – are required by the federal government. An art test, a 7th grade geography test, 5th and 8th grade social studies and writing tests, and the EOI tests were eliminated.
The bill also directs the State Department of Education to find a replacement for the EOIs. Hofmeister says it will likely just be one test that covers all the federal subject requirements in one sitting, and students won’t necessarily have to pass it to graduate.
State Rep. Lee Denney, R-Cushing, voted for the measure, and praised the federal government for allowing the state to set testing standards for students. The Cushing Republican said the bill had a wide range of support.
"Not only do all the school districts want testing relief, but we had many education groups – [the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration], [Oklahoma State School Boards Association], the [Oklahoma Education Association], the State Department of Education - all felt like we needed testing relief. As well as many parents and students, of course, they always want testing relief."
The changes wouldn't take effect until the 2017-2018 school year. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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