HB 1374 Summary

• Modifies state assessment system to track student performance against prior performance in the same school rather than across districts, and allows flexibility in assessment methods while aligning performance standards with National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) benchmarks by June 30, 2006.

• Changes unaccredited school district lapse procedures by allowing the state board of education to determine the lapse date and establish conditions for continued governance or alternative governing structures, rather than automatic lapse on a fixed date.

• Establishes a "Transformational School District" in cities with populations over 400,000 that have been declared unaccredited twice within 15 years, with governance transferred to the mayor who appoints a chief executive officer, chief academic officer, and chief financial officer.

• Requires receiving school districts to certify building capacity before accepting transfer students from unaccredited districts, with a minimum of 105 percent capacity before transfers can be refused, and requires transfers to begin in the next full school year after unaccredited status is declared.

• Declares the act an emergency measure effective upon passage to provide clarity and certainty regarding educational adequacy for students in school districts with accreditation status issues.