Gov. Heineman Signs Statewide Student Testing Bill into Law

Press Release

Gov. Heineman Signs Statewide Student Testing Bill into Law

Gov. Dave Heineman today signed legislation into law updating state statutes regarding student assessment in Nebraska. Introduced by Sen. Ron Raikes of Lincoln, LB 1157 requires a specific and uniform testing plan for Nebraska's K-12 school districts.

"This bill is the dawning of a new era in education assessment for Nebraska," Gov. Heineman said. "It is an opportunity to focus on educational excellence and academic accountability, and will help showcase academic excellence by Nebraska students in comparison to other states."

Beginning in the 2009-10 school year, annual statewide reading assessments will be required for grades three through eight with one assessment being given during high school. Math tests begin for similar grades the following year with a science test being implemented beginning in 2011-12 , which will be given at least once in elementary school, once in middle school or junior high, and once in high school. A statewide assessment for writing already exists.

Under LB 1157, the Governor will appoint a technical advisory committee of national testing experts to advise state leaders including the Legislature, State Board of Education and the Department of Education on the development of statewide assessments and a statewide testing plan.

Sen. Raikes, Chairman of the Legislature's Education Committee, said, "We can and should have a system where districts appropriately use local assessment without the burden placed on teachers to become assessment experts. Teachers can take the positive experience of understanding and using assessment data to improve instruction."

Gov. Heineman said, "LB 1157 will provide Nebraska the opportunity to highlight schools with long-term and consistent academic success and share their success story with every Nebraska school."

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