HB 1175 Summary

• Establishes a pilot program in 10 selected school districts (beginning 2015-2016) to evaluate replacing end-of-course subject area tests with ACT/ACT Aspire assessments for high school graduation requirements.

• Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, requires students to attain a minimum composite score on the ACT at the conclusion of Grade 11 as a graduation requirement, with the minimum score to be established by the Legislature based on pilot program data.

• Allows school districts to authorize equivalent alternative assessments for students who do not achieve the minimum ACT score, enabling them to demonstrate proficiency through other means to remain eligible for graduation.

• Directs the State Department of Education to report recommended legislation to the House and Senate Education Committee chairs and Governor by November 30, 2016, for consideration during the 2017 legislative session.

• Provides state funding for ACT administration to Grade 11 students and requires comparative analysis of data from ACT, ACT Aspire, and subject area test assessments to establish baseline college readiness measures and determine cost-benefit analysis of different assessment approaches.