IN SB0063

Establishes an 18-member panel to study alternatives to the ISTEP program tests and recommend replacements for the program under IC 20-32-5.

Panel must submit final recommendations to the governor and general assembly in electronic format no later than November 1, 2016, considering feasibility of existing or new tests, reduced testing time, lower administration costs, and test transparency and fairness.

Panel composition includes the commissioner of workforce development, commissioner for higher education, and 16 members appointed by the governor, state superintendent of public instruction, speaker of the house, and president pro tempore of the senate (4 members each consisting of one teacher, one principal, one superintendent, and one standardized testing expert).

Panel requires a quorum of 10 members; governor calls initial meeting where members elect a chairperson; state board provides clerical and administrative support.

Non-state employee members receive per diem salary and travel reimbursement; state employee members receive travel reimbursement; all meetings must comply with IC 5-14-1.5 open meetings requirements.

Section expires January 1, 2017.