CO SB136

Delays by one year the administration of new statewide assessments in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies from the 2014-2015 school year to the 2015-16 school year.

Creates the Colorado Academic Standards Task Force to study the adoption and implementation of state academic standards, including Common Core standards, and hold at least ten public hearings throughout the state by December 15, 2015.

Task Force composition includes the state board chairman, three state board members, two higher education representatives, teachers from elementary and secondary grades, parent representatives, and four members of the legislature.

Prohibits the Department of Education from administering assessments created by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) before the task force completes its report and the legislature and state board act on its recommendations.

Requires the Department of Education to contract with an independent entity to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of implementing the Colorado Academic Standards within six months, with the task force forced to sunset on July 1, 2016.