Resolve, To Audit Standardized Testing in Maine's Schools

Sec. 1. Maine Education Policy Research Institute to audit standardized testing. Resolved: That the Maine Education Policy Research Institute shall conduct an audit of standardized testing in a random sample of school administrative units statewide for the purpose of understanding the amount, cost and usefulness of standardized testing. The audit must include:

1. Determining the opportunity costs of testing, including the loss of instructional time and other disruptions to learning for students caused by the testing; and

2. Considering best practices regarding the amount of testing, the amount of preparation students are required to participate in prior to the testing and the degree to which the testing results inform teachers regarding instruction in the classroom generally and individual students specifically; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than January 1, 2018, the Maine Education Policy Research Institute shall issue a report that includes its findings and recommendations under section 1, including suggested legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. The Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs may report out a bill based upon the report to the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature.

SUMMARY

This bill directs the Maine Education Policy Research Institute to conduct an audit of standardized testing in a random sample of school administrative units statewide for the purpose of understanding the amount, cost and usefulness of standardized testing. This bill requires the Maine Education Policy Research Institute no later than January 1, 2018 to issue a report with its findings and recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, which may report out a bill based upon the report to the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature.