Signed by Governor Dave Heineman

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes uniform statewide standardized testing in reading, math, and science for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Highlights:

- Requires a statewide reading test be administered in grades three through eight and once in high school beginning with the 2009-10 school year [sec. 4 (5)]. - Requires a statewide math test be administered in grades three through eight and once in high school beginning with the 2010-11 school year [sec. 4 (6)]. - Requires a statewide science test be administered once in elementary school, once in middle school, and once in high school beginning with the 2011-12 school year [sec 4 (7)]. - Allows for the state department of education to develop alternative standards in reading, math, and science for students with cognitive disabilities [sec, 4 (11) (b)]. - Permits the state board of education to select additional grade-levels and subject matters to be added to state-wide assessments to comply with federal requirements [sec. 4 (12)]. - Establishes a technical advisory committee, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature, to review the statewide assessment plan and assist the Governor, state board, and state department of education with the development of statewide assessment instruments and the statewide assessment plan [sec. 4 (3)]. - Requires the technical advisory committee to consist of three nationally recognized experts in educational assessment and measurement, one Nebraska school administrator, and one Nebraska teacher [sec. 4 (3)].

Full Bill Text