HB15-1208 Summary

• Repeals the 2010 English language arts and mathematics standards and requires the state board to adopt new academic standards for these subjects with mandatory public comment periods.

• Requires state standards to be sufficiently general to avoid mandating specific curricula, textbooks, or educational materials for local education providers.

• Allows local education providers to adopt their own academic standards and assessments that meet or exceed state standards, with the option to submit assessments for inclusion in the state system.

• Prohibits the state board and department of education from entering agreements with federal agencies or private entities that limit state or local discretion over standards and assessments, and declares Colorado is no longer a member of the PARCC consortium.

• Permits parents to excuse students from participating in state assessments without penalty to the student, teacher, administrator, or school district; limits combined state and local assessment time to approximately 10% of instructional time annually.