SB 519 Summary

• Replaces the ISTEP (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress) test program with the Measures of Academic Progress assessment system developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association, effective July 1, 2011.

• Removes all references to "ISTEP program" throughout Indiana Code and replaces them with "assessment program" in education statutes covering curriculum, school performance, accreditation, and student testing requirements.

• Requires the state superintendent to contract with the Northwest Evaluation Association to develop the new Measures of Academic Progress assessment system while allowing continuation of ISTEP administration until suitable assessments are developed.

• Maintains existing testing requirements including administration in grades 3, 6, 8, and 10 with a graduation examination in grade 10, along with all student accommodations, scoring procedures, and reporting requirements previously applied to ISTEP.

• Preserves freeway schools' ability to adopt locally approved alternative assessment programs in place of the new assessment program, subject to the same reporting and inspection requirements.