DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 502 Original 2015 Regular Session Hensgens
Abstract: Limits the amount of time allowed for administration and the length of required state
assessments to students in grades three through eight.
Present law requires standards-based assessments for required subjects (English language arts, math,
science, and social studies) to be implemented by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education (BESE) and administered in at least grades 3 through 11. Provides that such assessments
be based on state content standards and rigorous student achievement standards comparable to
national student achievement levels. Further requires that the rigor of such assessments shall at least
compare to that of national achievement tests. Requires BESE to establish the adequate test scores
for determining successful student performance on the tests. Specifies that beginning with the 2014-
2015 school year, the standards-based assessments in English language arts and math shall be based
on nationally recognized content standards.
Proposed law adds limitations on such assessments as follows:
(1)For students in grades three through five, 85% shall be able to complete the assessment in
120 minutes or less.
(2)For students in grades six through eight, 85% shall be able to complete the assessment in 180
minutes or less.
(3)The administration of an assessment in grades three through eight shall not exceed five hours
and the assessment shall be administered on only one school day. The amount of time
allowed for the administration of practice tests and other test preparation required prior to
the administration of an assessment shall not exceed one hour each day for not more than
five days.
Requires BESE to promulgate rules for implementation of proposed law.
Proposed law otherwise retains present law.
(Adds R.S. 17:24.4(F)(2))