SF 2097

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) 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.

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

Section 1. new text begin EVALUATING THE 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, 2006.
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