Relates to computer-based assessment technology apportionment

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to computer-based assessment technology apportionment

Purpose

To provide reimbursement to school districts and boards of cooperative educational services for costs incurred in providing required computer-based state assessments.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 : Legislative Intent.

Section 2: The second section creates a new section 756 of the education law which provides reimbursement to school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) for costs associated with technology purchases needed to administer required computer-based state assessments. Section 2 thereafter defines "technology purchases"; provides guidelines and requirements for the sufficiency of the equipment that is needed and shall be aidable; the amount of computers a school district or BOCES is entitled to above any equipment they may already have; and the ways in which the technology purchases shall be fully aidable.

Section 3: The third section directs the commissioner to develop a plan to minimize the overall impact on taxpayer investment in the development and administration of required high-quality computer-based state assessments. The commissioner must submit such plan to the Governor and the Legislature prior to making any commitment to computer-based testing, but no later than December 1, 2016.

Justification

It is imperative that New York students receive a high quality education. Therefore, the Legislature concurs with the goals of the Board of Regents to develop a rich educational system that provides multiple pathways to graduation, and ensures that all students are college and career ready. However, recent years have highlighted the multitude of requirements placed on school districts for which no state funding is provided. As school districts continue to be faced with unprecedented fiscal constraints, it is paramount that any new educational initiative brings With it the proper financial support. School districts and taxpayers simply cannot afford any new unfunded mandates. This legislation makes all new technology purchases needed for a school district or BOCES to sufficiently administer Board of Regents approved and required computer-based state assessments, fully reimbursable in the form of a computer-based assessment technology apportionment.

Legislative history

2015: S. 3206-A Passed Senate 2013-14: S. 5252-A Passed Senate

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.