CO SB005

Local education providers may exempt ninth-grade students from state assessments in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, with notification to the Department of Education.

Rural school districts that prohibit ninth-grade assessments may hire teachers without valid state teacher licenses or authorizations.

Teachers employed by local education providers that prohibit ninth-grade assessments cannot attain or retain nonprobationary status during the year the provider begins prohibiting the assessments.

Rural school districts identified by the Department of Education that prohibit ninth-grade assessments may employ unlicensed teachers and must provide valid compensation for their services.

Definition of postsecondary and workforce readiness eligibility clarified to apply to students in high school rather than grades nine through twelve.