Connecticut House Bill HB06848

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

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

Caption

An Act Prohibiting Bias And Discrimination In The State Mastery Examination.

Impact

The implementation of HB 06848 would lead to significant changes in how state achievement tests are utilized. By requiring a more comprehensive evaluation of student performance that considers multiple factors rather than relying solely on test results, the bill aims to promote equity and inclusivity in the educational assessment process. This could lessen the pressure on students and help address issues of educational disparity, as not all students have the same level of access to resources that facilitate mastery in assessments, particularly those reliant on technology.

Summary

House Bill 06848 aims to address bias and discrimination in the state mastery examination system. The bill intends to amend Title 10 of the general statutes to ensure that the assessment methods used provide a valid, fair, and reliable estimate of students' performances relative to grade-appropriate standards. A key focus is to prevent the mastery exams from supplanting academic standards, thereby ensuring a diverse curriculum that caters to various learning needs and backgrounds. The bill specifically seeks to shield students from the misuse of exam results as the sole indicator for their promotion or graduation, which has been a point of contention in educational policy discussions.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step towards creating a fairer educational landscape that considers the diverse backgrounds of students, opponents may view it as a potential dilution of academic rigor. There are concerns regarding the accountability of educational institutions in meeting the established criteria for assessments and ensuring that all students are adequately prepared for these evaluations. Moreover, the implementation of continuous monitoring guidelines as proposed in the bill raises questions around the logistics and resources required for effective oversight and assessment alignment, especially in adapting to the varying degrees of computer skills among students.