HF 1797

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to education; directing the Office of Educational Accountability to
evaluate the educational impact of the federal No Child Left Behind Act and
other state and federal laws requiring school districts to administer tests to
students; appropriating money.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin EVALUATING EDUCATIONAL IMPACT OF FEDERAL AND
STATE TESTS ON KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 12 STUDENTS.
new text end

new text begin (a) The Office of Educational Accountability under Minnesota Statutes, section
120B.31, subdivision 3, must evaluate the educational impact of the federal No Child Left
Behind Act and other state and federal laws requiring school districts to administer tests to
kindergarten through grade 12 students. The evaluation at least must address:
new text end

new text begin (1) potential educational costs to kindergarten through grade 12 public school
students through the 2013-2014 school year of complying with testing requirements;
new text end

new text begin (2) educational factors that may increase or decrease the educational costs identified
under clause (1);
new text end

new text begin (3) the impact of testing requirements on the statewide accountability system,
teacher training and employment, and curriculum development; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the relationship between the testing requirements, postsecondary entrance
requirements, and the expectations of the business community regarding the educational
preparation of new high school graduates seeking employment.
new text end

new text begin The Office of Educational Accountability, at its discretion, may include additional
areas for evaluation.
new text end

new text begin (b) In preparing this evaluation, the Office of Educational Accountability must
select a sample of school districts to explore in depth the areas listed in paragraph (a).
The school districts must be of varying sizes and geographical locations, and must
include some districts with schools designated by the state Department of Education as
"needing improvement" under the No Child Left Behind Act. The Office of Educational
Accountability must contact school officials, employees of postsecondary institutions, and
representatives of business communities from throughout the state to collect information
and perceptions related to the evaluation. State and local entities must cooperate with
and assist the Office of Educational Accountability with this evaluation at the request of
the Office of Educational Accountability.
new text end

new text begin (c) The Office of Educational Accountability must submit the evaluation in writing
to the chairs of the legislative committees in the house and senate charged with oversight
of kindergarten through grade 12 education policy and finance by February 15, 2008.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... is appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2008 to the Office of
Educational Accountability under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.31, subdivision 3, for
the purpose of evaluating the educational impact of federal and state tests on kindergarten
through grade 12 students under section 1.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective July 1, 2007.
new text end