Senate Bill 18 proposes amendments to the educational assessment program and the school and school district accountability report in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) utilize the same cut scores, score ranges, and qualitative descriptions for school performance and improvement as were used in the 2019-20 school year for accountability reports published starting from the school year in which the bill becomes law. Additionally, it requires that for the Wisconsin Forward exam in English Language Arts and Mathematics, the DPI align its cut scores and performance categories with those established by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. For the PreACT and ACT with Writing assessments, the DPI must use the same cut scores and performance categories as those used in the 2021-22 school year.

The bill also includes specific legal language changes, such as renumbering and amending existing statutes related to accountability reports. It introduces a new section that outlines the requirements for examinations administered to students in grades 3 to 11, ensuring alignment with national standards and consistency with previous assessments. The terminology for pupil performance categories is standardized to include "Below Basic," "Basic," "Proficient," and "Advanced." Overall, the bill aims to enhance the consistency and reliability of educational assessments and accountability measures in Wisconsin schools.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 115.385(1)(c), 115.385