This bill amends RSA 193-C:5 to specify the areas of academic assessment required by the statewide education improvement and assessment program. The program will continue to assess reading and language arts, mathematics, and science. Additionally, it clarifies that while history, government, geography, civics, and economics are critical areas of study, their assessment is not included in the statewide program and thus falls under the responsibility of local school boards.

The bill mandates that local school boards require ongoing assessment of these critical areas of study through local assessments that are aligned with state academic standards and local required competencies. The statewide assessment program is tasked with measuring student understanding of key concepts, skills, and knowledge within or across academic content domains, in alignment with state board-approved academic standards. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of August 13, 2024.