Relates to truth in testing for the common core

3 Co-sponsors

• Andrew J. Lanza
• Kathleen A. Marchione
• James L. Seward

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to assess, bi-sect and critique through truth in testing

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to ensure that the new common core mandated state exams are fair, unbiased, grade level appropriate and administered properly.

Summary of provisions

Specific provisions:

Section 349-a. Provides definitions to be used in this act Section 349-b. Provides for the disclosure of test questions. Section 349-c. Requires the Commissioner to submit a report to the Legislature Section 349-d. Sets forth an appeals process Section 349-e. Requires that accommodations be made for students with disabilities Section 349-f. Requires that accommodations be made for students who are English language learners. Section 349-g. Provides for a one time waiver for extenuating circumstances Section 349-h. Requires the Commissioner to have an independent audit of the common core program in New York State conducted. Section 349-i. Requires the Commissioner to conduct a state wide survey of administrators and teachers.

Justification

New York State has recently adopted the common core curriculum and with that, new mandated state exams. This legislation seeks to ensure that the tests are fair, unbiased, grade level appropriate and administered properly. The bill requires disclosure of test questions and answers so that parents, teachers and students will have an opportunity to review test questions to better understand and the reason behind a particular class or child's test scores.

In addition, it requires the Commissioner of the State Education Department to report, beginning on July 1, 2018 and annually thereafter, to the Legislature on:

1) the effectiveness of common core state tests in enhancing student learning and performance;

2) the fairness and appropriateness of test items for each grade level, including the percentage of test items found to be above grade level;

3) the correlation between test scores and grade point averages of test subjects taking common core state tests;

4)a statistical analysis of student performance based on socioeconomic, gender, race and ethnicity and regional factors;

5) the effectiveness of the test agency as the test development vendor; and

6) factors to be considered in determining whether to continue with the current test agency or other vendor as a test agency or utilize Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests in 2019.

Further, this bill provides for an appeals process for parents who believe their child received an inaccurate score; accommodations for English language learners and students with disabilities; and for a one-time waiver from having to take the exam for extenuating circumstances. Additionally, this bill would require an independent audit to review and evaluate the common core program in New York State.

Finally, the bill would require the State Education Department to survey school administrators and teachers on a variety issues surrounding common core testing. With so much importance placed on state mandated exams and with a new curriculum being used a s a basis for such exams, it is imperative to ensure that the tests are fair, appropriate for each grade and unbiased.

Legislative history

2013-14 S.5540B/A.7442B.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately, provided that any rules or regulations necessary for the implementation of this act shall be promulgated and take effect 180 days after its enactment.