STOs; ESAs; assessments; accountability
This bill significantly influences the operational requirements of both ESAs and STOs in Arizona. Schools accepting students funded through ESAs are required to publish aggregate data of students' performance on standardized tests, providing transparency concerning educational outcomes. This shift aims to bolster accountability among schools receiving state funds while ensuring that parents are informed about their child's academic progress, with the goal of raising educational standards across qualified schools.
House Bill 2185 proposes amendments to Title 15 of the Arizona Revised Statutes regarding assessments and the Arizona empowerment scholarship accounts (ESAs). Specifically, the bill mandates that parents of qualified students sign an agreement to ensure their child participates in annual standardized achievement testing. This requirement is set to begin in the 2022-2023 school year, impacting all qualified students enrolled in grades three through twelve who utilize scholarships from school tuition organizations (STOs). The result is intended to enhance educational accountability for students benefiting from public funding directed towards their education.
Debate surrounding HB 2185 focuses primarily on the implications of mandatory testing for children receiving scholarships through ESAs. Proponents advocate for the need for accountability and believe it will benefit overall educational quality. However, opponents assert that mandatory testing may place undue pressure on students, particularly those with disabilities who may not be able to meet the testing requirements. Thus, while the bill aims to improve educational outcomes, it raises questions about fairness and equity in educational assessment for all students.