Bill > SB5193

This bill aims to support remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs by addressing the challenges they face when required to travel to designated testing sites. The legislature recognizes that current testing requirements can burden families by necessitating time off work, long-distance travel, and additional expenses, which may lead some parents to excuse their students from state assessments. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, school districts with online programs will be permitted to offer remote statewide assessments. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is tasked with developing comprehensive policies to ensure the integrity and security of remote testing, which must cover aspects such as testing personnel qualifications, student-to-proctor ratios, remote testing environment requirements, device and network standards, and parental consent procedures. OSPI is also required to adopt and periodically review rules implementing these remote testing options, with encouragement to use pilot rulemaking. The bill defines "device" as any electronic equipment used for test administration and seeks to maintain fairness, equity, and assessment participation while reducing barriers for online school students.