SB 15-233: Revising Colorado Education Accountability Measures

• Creates steering committee to develop new academic standards in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies by repealing 2009-2010 standards and reverting to 2006-07 standards until new ones are adopted by November 18, 2015.

• Establishes standards development process with four subject-matter committees (ELA, mathematics, science, social studies) composed of teachers, university faculty, and education leaders who develop standards based on highly-regarded pre-2009 standards from California, Indiana, Massachusetts, or Minnesota.

• Restricts statewide testing to federal minimums: annual testing in ELA and mathematics (grades 3-8 and once in grades 10-12), and science testing in three grade bands (one test each in grades 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12).

• Prohibits data collection on non-academic traits in assessments and bans collection of biometric data except handwriting; requires Colorado to exit any consortiums with other states and maintain full state control over academic standards and assessments.

• Reduces student academic growth weight in teacher evaluations from 50% to 15% minimum (allowing districts to increase up to 50%), and grants parents authority to excuse children from assessments without penalties.