MN HF3542

Amends Minnesota Statutes 2009 Supplement, section 120B.30, subdivision 1, to require state-constructed tests for grades 3-8 and high school students include multiple choice questions and open-ended items aligned with state academic standards.

Establishes timeline for aligning assessments with revised academic standards: mathematics grades 3-8 beginning 2010-2011 school year and high school beginning 2013-2014; science grades 5 and 8 beginning 2011-2012; language arts and reading grades 3-8 and high school beginning 2012-2013.

Provides multiple pathways for high school graduation requirements including comprehensive assessment scores at proficiency level, passing scores on graduation-required assessments, language proficiency tests for English language learners, alternate assessments for students with individual education plans, and individual passing scores determined by state guidelines.

Allows students in grade 8 from 2005-2006 through 2009-2010 school years who do not pass mathematics graduation-required assessment to earn diploma with passing state notation by completing coursework, participating in academic remediation, and retesting up to two times.

Requires statewide public reporting system to include uniform testing accommodations, educational indicators such as attendance and graduation rates, and state participation in American College Test and National Assessment of Educational Progress; effective for 2010-2011 school year and later.