Virginia 2023 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB2145

Introduced

1/10/23

Refer

1/10/23

Caption

Standards of Learning assessments; English language learner students, parental opt out.

Impact

In terms of state laws, this bill amends existing accreditation standards by establishing new guidelines for how assessments are administered and reported for students who choose to opt-out. The bill emphasizes the protection of student privacy by ensuring that students who are exempt from testing will not negatively impact school accountability ratings unless mandated by state or federal law. Additionally, it sets forth a directive for the Board to ensure that test security is prioritized and outlines civil remedies for breaches of security around assessments.

Summary

House Bill 2145 proposes modifications to the administration of Standards of Learning assessments concerning English language learner students and introduces provisions for parental opt-out. The bill requires that parents be informed of their right to opt-out their children from taking the assessments, and these notifications must be communicated in the preferred language of the parents. This shift aims to give parents more control over their children's assessment participation, particularly highlighting considerations for English language learners.

Contention

Notably, the bill addresses concerns related to educational equity and the treatment of English language learners within the assessment framework. Critics may argue about the potential implications this bill could have on accountability measures and how schools evaluate student progress, especially in communities with diverse linguistic needs. Moreover, the overall impact of parental opt-out provisions on the accuracy of state assessments and educational outcomes could lead to further discussions in legislative circles.

Additional_notes

The voting history shows that the bill faced initial scrutiny but was recommended for further consideration by a subcommittee. The ongoing dialogue surrounding educational assessments in Virginia remains pivotal, particularly as legislators focus on improving educational outcomes and ensuring fair testing practices for all students.