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Bill

Bill

S 4295

Directs the state department of education to place a moratorium on the use of Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) until certain requirements are met

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

Bill S 4295 halts the use of the TASC test in schools until specific fairness and effectiveness requirements are met, impacting students and educators statewide.

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 4295

Summary of Bill S 4295

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 4295
  • Title: Directs the state department of education to place a moratorium on the use of Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) until certain requirements are met
  • Status: Referred to Finance
  • Introduced: February 03, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4295 aims to impose a temporary halt on the use of the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) within the state's education system. The intent behind this moratorium is to ensure that specific requirements are fulfilled before the TASC can be utilized as a measure for secondary education completion. This bill reflects a growing concern regarding the effectiveness and fairness of standardized testing in assessing student readiness and achievement.

Key Provisions

  • Moratorium on TASC: The bill mandates that the state department of education must not use the TASC until certain undisclosed requirements are satisfied.
  • Requirements Specification: While the bill does not detail what these requirements are, it implies that they will likely focus on the validity, reliability, and fairness of the TASC as a testing instrument.

Affected Parties

  • Students: The primary group affected by this bill would be high school students who are required to take the TASC to complete their secondary education.
  • Educators and Schools: Teachers and educational institutions may need to adjust their assessment strategies and curricula in response to the moratorium.
  • State Department of Education: The department will be responsible for implementing the moratorium and ensuring compliance with the new requirements once defined.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 3, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration. This step is crucial as it will determine the financial implications of the moratorium and any associated costs for the state education system.
  • Related Legislation: The bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (S 2567, S 6896, S 2805, S 4881, S 5228, S 6770) that may address similar issues regarding educational assessments and standards.

Conclusion

Bill S 4295 represents a significant step towards reevaluating the role of standardized testing in education. By placing a moratorium on the TASC, the bill seeks to ensure that any assessment used for secondary completion is fair and effective, ultimately aiming to enhance educational outcomes for students in the state. The bill's progress through the Finance Committee will be critical in shaping its future and the educational landscape in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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