This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding student assessments in Arizona. Key changes include the insertion of new language that specifies the administration of assessments pursuant to sections 15-741 and 15-741.02, replacing references to the "statewide assessment." Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that allows local education agencies to select from a menu of achievement assessments starting in the 2025-2026 school year, rather than being required to administer the statewide assessment. It also mandates that the Department of Education calculate the average per pupil cost of administering the statewide assessment and allows local education agencies to request funding to cover these costs.

The bill also removes outdated language, such as specific deadlines for training related to dyslexia and the requirement for uniform testing throughout the state. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based reading interventions and the need for school districts to review their reading programs if a significant percentage of third graders do not demonstrate proficiency. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance flexibility in assessment methods while ensuring accountability and support for student literacy development.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-183, 15-211, 15-249.03, 15-701, 15-704, 15-707, 15-708, 15-741, 15-741.01, 15-741.02, 15-743, 15-746, 15-756.07, 15-763, 15-977, 15-1805.01, 41-1750, 92-544, 15-505, 15-512, 41-1758.03, 114-95, 108-446, 15-550, 15-203, 15-213, 1-216, 15-914, 11-952.01, 41-621.01, 41-1092.08, 3-365, 15-808, 15-154, 15-771, 15-219, 15-943, 15-241, 15-237.01, 15-751, 15-761, 15-342, 15-241.02, 15-843, 2025-2026, 93-380, 2023-2024, 15-249.06, 15-792.03, 15-742, 15-901, 15-925, 13-3411, 13-3620, 15-341, 15-515, 15-351, 2021-2022, 15-747, 15-756.10, 15-701.01, 15-731, 15-1201, 37-521, 42-5029, 42-5029.02, 15-943.01, 35-190, 15-448, 15-459, 15-978