HF44 Summary

• Establishes a system of high school assessments for students entering grade 8 in 2011-2012 and later to measure college and career readiness and meet federal accountability requirements.

• Requires a grade 10 reading and writing exam with computer administration, multiple-choice and open-ended items, and results available within three school days of computerized testing; students must achieve passing scores to graduate.

• Mandates end-of-course exams in algebra and biology that count as 25% of a student's course grade (50% for schools identified as highly misaligned for two consecutive years) and allow student selection of initial or retest scores.

• Provides alternative methods for students to demonstrate college and career readiness, including ACT/SAT scores, CLEP exams, Advanced Placement/IB exams, college coursework, and appeals process for seniors in their second semester.

• Directs the Assessment Advisory Committee to develop recommendations for alternative pathways and implementation details, with required submission by February 15, 2012, and independent evaluations due February 15, 2016 and 2018.