WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PR 26-0748

Testing Integrity and Security Rulemaking Approval Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Establishes a comprehensive DC-wide framework to secure statewide testing, detailing materials handling, environment, planning, monitoring, sanctions, and investigations.

Referred to Committee of the Whole
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PR 26-0748

Summary of PR 26-0748 – Testing Integrity and Security Rulemaking Approval Resolution of 2026

  • Purpose and intent

    • Approves proposed final rules to strengthen and protect the integrity of the District of Columbia’s statewide assessments. The rules aim to ensure testing results are accurate, meaningful, and uniformly administered across the district.
    • Establishes a formal process for investigating unacceptable testing practices and protocols.

  • Key provisions and changes

    • New regulatory framework (DCMR Title 5-A, Chapter 23, added sections 2303–2316) and aligned amendments to definitions (section 2399) to support testing integrity and security.
    • Scope and applicability (2303.2–2303.3): Applies to LEAs, all DCPS and public charter schools, all statewide assessments, all students in the tested grade range, and all involved personnel and contractors.
    • Security requirements (2303–2304):
    • Secure storage and handling of secure test materials; prohibition on unauthorized access; inventories; secure distribution.
    • OSSE to publish annual test security policies detailing administration requirements, material handling, fidelity, standardized conditions, and prohibited devices.
    • LEAs must provide assessment dates and designate test integrity coordinators; roles include LEA-level and school-level test monitors, technology coordinators, and special populations coordinators.
    • Test security planning (2305): Each school must create, submit, and obtain OSSE approval for its school test security plan before testing; plans must cover material security, staffing, accommodations, reporting procedures, and investigation processes.
    • During testing (2306): Standards for testing environments, administration scripts, time updates, accommodation alignment, handling of disruptions, and prohibition on non-authorized support or electronics unless specifically allowed as an accommodation.
    • Special circumstances (2307): Provisions for make-up testing, medical exemptions, evacuations, alternative testing sites with OSSE approval, and testing for students in nonpublic settings.
    • Post-testing (2308–2309): Affidavits from LEA coordinators and school monitors confirming compliance; mandatory record-keeping for four years.
    • Training, monitoring, and technical assistance (2310–2311): OSSE and LEAs may provide training and conduct announced/unannounced monitoring and audits; mandatory reporting of irregularities.
    • Violations, sanctions, and appeals (2312–2316):
    • Clear definitions of violations (breach, cheating, irregularities, etc.) and examples.
    • Sanctions for LEAs, schools, and individuals may include fines, test score invalidation, credential actions, and cost recovery; potential corrective action plans.
    • Investigations may be initiated by OSSE and involve LEA inquiries and OSSE reviews; post-investigation notices with review rights.
    • Reconsideration procedures for non-sanctionable findings and timelines for administrative review.

  • Who is affected

    • Local Education Agencies (LEAs), all DCPS and public charter schools, school staff (test integrity coordinators, monitors, technology and special populations coordinators, test administrators, proctors), students, and nonpublic programs serving DC students.

  • Procedural and timeline aspects

    • Transmittal and review under Section 106 of the Testing Integrity Act; proposed final rules transmitted June 2026, with a 14-day review period by the Council.
    • Effective date: rules become effective upon publication in the DC Register.
    • Fiscal impact: expected to be implementable within existing resources (CFO confirms sufficient funding through 2029).

  • Additional context

    • This resolution follows prior rulemaking steps, with public rulemaking notices in 2020 and 2025, and aligns with statutory frameworks for testing integrity and investigations.
    • The bill references and codifies processes for compliance, reporting, and enforcement to safeguard test validity and data integrity.

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

Sign in to ask a question.