Bill > S05540

This bill, titled "Relates to truth in testing for the common core," proposes to add a new article to the education law in New York State to increase transparency and fairness in standardized testing for English language arts and mathematics, specifically those aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Key provisions include requiring the public release of 50% of test items (excluding "anchor items" or "linking items" used for scoring consistency and "field test items" used for future test development) 30 days after a Common Core State Test is administered, and full disclosure of all scored test items and correct answers after the second year of a test's administration. The bill also mandates annual reporting by the Commissioner of Education on the effectiveness, fairness, and appropriateness of these tests, including statistical analyses of student performance based on various demographic factors, and an evaluation of the test development vendor. Furthermore, it establishes an appeals process for parents to challenge test scores if they are not reflective of a student's abilities, requires specific accommodations for students with disabilities and English language learners, and allows for a one-time waiver from testing due to extenuating circumstances. An independent audit of the Common Core testing program is also required, and a statewide survey will be conducted to assess the impact of test preparation on instruction and student/teacher morale.