HF1506 Summary

• Reduces statewide testing in grades 3-7 (formerly 3-8) and establishes new contracted college-and-career-ready assessments for grades 8, 10, and 11 that include college entrance exams and college placement diagnostic exams.

• Requires the contracted assessment series to include reading, mathematics, English, and science; incorporate nationally recognized college entrance exams; and have results accepted by postsecondary institutions for admission purposes.

• Changes high school graduation requirements so students entering grade 8 in the implementation year or later must achieve minimum scores on either a college entrance exam or college placement diagnostic exam in reading, mathematics, and English to graduate.

• Requires the Chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to validate minimum scores demonstrating college readiness for two-year and four-year programs, and for certificate-level programs.

• Appropriates $500,000 for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 for concurrent enrollment support programs and establishes work groups to address college readiness, remediation, and student career planning by February 15, 2014.