Governor's Bill No. 5034 aims to reduce testing burdens and enhance the math curriculum in Connecticut's education system. The bill introduces an incentive program by the Commissioner of Education, effective July 1, 2026, which encourages school districts to limit the time students spend on broad assessments, integrate state-provided assessment tools into local curricula, and improve teacher competency in formative assessments. The program may offer public recognition, financial awards, and increased operational flexibility for participating districts. Additionally, the Department of Education is tasked with providing guidance to local boards on reducing discretionary assessments, potentially eliminating certain broad assessments and substituting them with state-provided tools.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the redesign of high school mathematics pathways by January 1, 2027, to better prepare students for postsecondary careers, including fields such as STEM, data science, and quantitative reasoning. The Commissioner will also develop guidelines for mathematics specialists and a list of professional development providers to support high-quality math instruction. The bill allows for consultation with relevant stakeholders and includes provisions for the Commissioner to request amendments to the state's education plan from the U.S. Secretary of Education, potentially waiving certain federal accountability requirements.