Says more needs to be done to give teachers and students the tools they need to succeed amid coronavirus-disrupted academic year
COLUMBUS— State Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) Thursday voted in favor of House Bill (HB) 67, legislation to adjust state testing requirements for the 2020-21 school year. Democrats did say, however, that more needs to be done to support students and teachers during the pandemic.
“Nearly one-year into the COVID-19 pandemic, students and teachers continue to need flexibility in order to meet the demands of a well-rounded education,” said Rep. Weinstein. “Although I had hoped we could find a way to provide additional support, this legislation will bring much-deserved relief to classrooms of all kinds.”
Democrats have pushed to eliminate state testing requirements due to the continued disruptions and changes in learning environments amid the coronavirus pandemic. Dems introduced legislation earlier this year to cancel the remaining state testing for this academic year and sent a letter Feb. 4 to the Governor, State Superintendent and State Board of Education President urging a waiver for end-of-year state testing.
Some provisions of HB 67 include:
- Waiving end-of-course exam graduation requirements for the 2020-2021 school year, instead using student’s final course grade;
- Extends testing windows and other assessment deadlines, giving flexibility and more time to both students and schools;
- Creates an exemption for the state mandated American History end-0f-course exam;
- Permits schools to grant a diploma for this academic year to any student on track to graduate, in consultation with teachers and counselors;
- Requires the state seeks waivers for federal accountability and school identification requirements.
Democrats offered several amendments on the floor, including:
- Extending the testing window to June 30;
- Allowing for opt-out of testing for students in remote learning;
- Removing the state testing requirement altogether;
Republicans rejected each of the amendments.
After passing the House, the bill moves to the Senate for consideration
