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Ed reform measure to bring big changes

Bill to revamp tests in public schools

By Berny Morson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published May 8, 2008 at 9:30 p.m.

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The education reform bill that was passed in the final hours of the legislative session will bring sweeping change to public schools, including an overhaul of testing and curriculum.

Students may see more tests, including exams in the senior year of high school, when many teenagers coast to graduation. School districts are directed to do more assessments in subjects like social studies not covered in statewide achievement tests.

But the tests will be more focused, telling teachers and parents whether students are making progress on the skills they'll need to succeed in college or the workplace, sponsors of the bill and educators said.

Exactly what the new tests will look like is unclear, said Colorado Education Department senior policy adviser Richard Wenning, who followed the progress of the bill through the legislature. Specifics will emerge in statewide discussions among the state Board of Education, the Colorado Commission on Higher Education and educators.

"But the idea of focusing on that destination (college or work force readiness) is key," Wenning said. "The expectation is that the assessments and the standards will be highly relevant to students' success after they leave high school."

SB 212 was given final approval in the House and Senate on Tuesday, the last day of the legislative session. It goes to Gov. Bill Ritter for his signature.

Ritter called for the bill in his State of the State address in January, terming the idea "revolutionary." His office played a major role in drafting the measure.

By Dec. 15, 2009, the education department, which oversees public schools, and the Colorado Commission on Higher Education will adopt a definition of what students need to be ready for college or the workplace.

The Board of Education will then revise the state's academic standards to reflect the new definition of readiness. New assessments will replace tests administered under the Colorado Student Assessment Program.

The process will take several years. Portions of the new system take effect in 2011 and 2012.

Board of Education chairwoman Pam Suckla said the process will begin at a meeting next week when the panel sorts through provisions of the bill.

Department of Higher Education director David Skaggs said the staff is reading the bill.

It calls for the state to adopt the highest academic standards in the nation. But those standards will be compatible with career education programs, such as construction and automobile repair, which include elements of math and science associated with traditional academic programs.

The bill requires participation by a range of educators in devising the new academic standards and assessments.

"We absolutely in the legislature should not be dictating how and what we think kids need to know," said Rep. Christine Scanlan, D-Dillon, a primary sponsor in the House.

Sen. Josh Penry, R-Fruita, a Senate sponsor of the bill, said the legislature will demand results, however.

morsonb@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5209