Bill > A07442

This bill, titled "Relates to truth in testing for the common core," proposes to amend New York's education law by adding a new article focused on transparency and fairness in the administration of Common Core State Tests. Key provisions include requiring the public release of 50% of test items (excluding "anchor items" or "linking items" used for score consistency and "field test items" used for future test development) 30 days after testing, and full disclosure of all scored test items and correct answers after the second year of administration. The bill mandates annual reporting by the Commissioner of Education on the effectiveness, fairness, and correlation of test scores with academic performance, as well as statistical analyses of student performance across various demographic groups. It also establishes an appeals process for parents to challenge test scores if they are not reflective of a student's abilities, and outlines specific testing accommodations for students with disabilities and English language learners, including options like extended time and translated materials. Furthermore, the bill allows for a one-time waiver from taking a Common Core test under extenuating circumstances and requires a comprehensive independent audit of the testing program by May 1, 2015, to assess its fairness, appropriateness, and administration. Finally, it mandates a statewide survey of school administrators and teachers to gather feedback on the impact of test preparation on instruction and curriculum, with a report due by December 31, 2014.