The bill SB1457 amends Arizona law to allow virtual schools, including Arizona Online Instruction (AOI) schools and dropout recovery programs (DRPs), to administer statewide assessments in a virtual setting under specific conditions. These conditions include assigning a specific date and time for the assessment, conducting it in a synchronous session with designated personnel, providing proctors for monitoring, and ensuring that students remain in the virtual setting until instructed to exit. The bill also outlines exceptions for in-person assessments for students with accommodations or those who are English Language Learners.

Additionally, the bill prohibits virtual schools from administering certain assessments, such as college readiness or Advanced Placement exams, in a virtual setting unless those assessments can be proctored online. It mandates that the Arizona Department of Education include provisions for virtual testing in contracts with third-party vendors when funds are available, and it clarifies that virtual schools are not required to administer any assessments in a virtual setting. The bill is set to be repealed after December 31, 2026, unless extended.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-808.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-808.01
House Engrossed Version: 15-808.01
Chaptered Version: 15-808.01