The bill amends existing Kansas education law by removing the requirement for the state board of education to use a specific exam provider for state-funded college entrance and career readiness exams. Instead, the board is now required to provide these exams using any provider of their choice. This change is reflected in the amendments to K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 72-5179, which previously mandated the use of the ACT college entrance exam and associated assessments. The bill also repeals the existing sections of K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 72-5178 and 72-5179, streamlining the reporting and assessment processes.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the state department of education in preparing performance accountability and longitudinal achievement reports for public and accredited nonpublic schools. These reports will include detailed metrics on student achievement, comparisons to other evaluation metrics, and analyses of academic interventions. The state board of education is also tasked with providing assessments to students in specific grades without requiring any fees, while ensuring that participation in these assessments remains optional. Overall, the bill aims to enhance flexibility in the administration of college and career readiness assessments while maintaining accountability in student achievement reporting.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-5178, 72-5179, 72-1181