Connecticut House Bill HB06763

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/17
• Refer: 1/25/17

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Bias In State Mastery Examinations By Providing A Reliable, Fair And Valid Estimate Of A Student's Overall Performance.

Impact

The bill's implications on state laws would be significant, as it lays out specific criteria that need to be adhered to in the administration of state mastery examinations. These provisions aim to safeguard against potential biases that may unfairly disadvantage certain student groups. By mandating investigations into the effects of computer devices, disparities in computer skills, and the alignment of adaptive tests, the bill underscores an increased emphasis on equitable educational assessments and aims to prevent any pitfalls that could skew performance evaluations.

Summary

House Bill HB06763 aims to address biases in state mastery examinations by ensuring that these assessments provide a reliable, fair, and valid estimate of a student's overall performance relative to grade-appropriate standards. The legislation seeks to amend Title 10 of the general statutes, focusing on enhancing the integrity and reliability of state-administered tests. A key provision is that it prohibits the mastery examination results from being the sole indicator for student promotion or graduation, promoting a more comprehensive evaluation of student abilities.

Contention

Notably, discussion around HB06763 highlights concerns regarding academic standards and curricular diversity. While supporters argue that this legislation will ensure that achievement levels are accurately reflected and support diverse teaching approaches, opponents may raise questions about the logistics and feasibility of implementing the required monitoring and investigation processes. The bill’s detractors might express skepticism over whether these measures would genuinely mitigate biases in testing or simply add layers of bureaucracy to the educational assessment process.