HB 2540
Initials CH/LN Page 1 House Engrossed
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
House: ED DP 6-4-0-2
HB 2540: statewide assessment; accommodations; written form
Sponsor: Representative Taylor, LD 29
House Engrossed
Overview
Modifies the circumstances in which a school district or charter school may administer the
statewide assessment in the form of a written test.
History
The statewide assessment is adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) to measure
student achievement of the academic standards in reading, writing and math in at least four
grades designated by SBE. Statute authorizes SBE to also administer achievement
assessments in social studies and science. SBE is required to determine the manner of
implementation for statewide assessments. On request, a school district or charter school
may administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test (A.R.S. § 15-741).
The statewide achievement assessments for the 2024-2025 school year are: 1) Arizona's
Academic Standards Assessment (3rd-8th grades); 2) AzSCI (5th, 8th and 11th grades); 3)
ACT Aspire (9th grade); and 4) the ACT with writing (11th grade). The SBE-adopted English
language proficiency assessments and alternate assessment will also be administered to
eligible students during the 2024-2025 school year (Assessments Overview 2024-2025).
An individualized education program (IEP) is a written statement for a child with a disability
that is developed in accordance with federal law and regulations. Among other requirements,
an IEP must contain a statement of: 1) the child's present levels of academic achievement
and functional performance; 2) measurable annual goals; 3) the child's progress towards
meeting the annual goals; and 4) the special education, related services and supplementary
aids and services to be provided (20 U.S.C. § 1401) (34 C.F.R. § 300.320).
A Section 504 plan is a written statement for a student with a disability that includes the
provision of regular or special education and related aids and services that is designed to
meet individual educational needs (A.R.S. § 15-731).
Provisions
1. Stipulates a school district or charter school may administer the statewide assessment in
the form of a written test pursuant to an IEP or Section 504 plan, to accommodate special
circumstances or for religious purposes, rather than on request of the school district or
charter school. (Sec. 1)
2. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note