Bill > SB0091

This bill establishes new educational standards for Indiana, defining "college and career readiness educational standards" as the knowledge and skills a high school graduate needs to succeed in further education or training and in a career without needing remedial help. Before July 1, 2014, the state board of education must adopt these new Indiana-specific standards, replacing any previously adopted ones, ensuring they meet national and international benchmarks, are aligned with postsecondary expectations, use the highest standards in the U.S., prepare students for college entrance exams like the ACT and SAT, maintain Indiana's autonomy, and protect student data confidentiality. For the 2015-2016 school year, the state board will allow the department to administer either the existing ISTEP assessment or a comparable test that aligns with these new standards. Furthermore, before authorizing any new assessment program, the state board must submit it to the budget committee for review, and the bill also includes provisions for emergency rule adoption and declares an emergency for the act itself.