Connecticut House Bill HB06803

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

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

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 6803 would impact the current practices surrounding mastery examinations by implementing a more holistic view of student achievement. This would imply that teachers and schools cannot solely rely on standardized tests for making important educational decisions regarding student advancement. The bill also mandates that schools provide diverse curricula that meet academic standards while addressing the broader educational needs of students, thereby reinforcing the significance of varied educational approaches in supporting student learning.

Summary

House Bill 6803 aims to reform the state's mastery examinations to prevent discrimination based on unjust academic standards and to ensure that all students are evaluated fairly and accurately. The bill proposes several significant changes to Title 10 of the General Statutes, focusing on establishing a valid, fair, and reliable estimate of a student's overall performance in line with grade-appropriate standards. One of the key provisions is to prevent the sole reliance on mastery exam results as criteria for student promotion or graduation, which could enhance equity in educational assessments across diverse student populations.

Contention

There might be contention surrounding the implications of this bill, particularly regarding the potential pushback from educators and policy makers who advocate for standardized testing as a measure of educational success. Some argue that standardized tests serve vital roles in assessing overall educational effectiveness and accountability. Conversely, supporters of HB 6803 may argue that these tests can disadvantage certain groups of students, particularly those who experience disparities in access to resources and opportunities necessary for excelling in such examinations.