HB 470

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Provides that only scores on State assessments of students enrolled in a school on or before November 1 of the school year in which a State assessment is given shall be used in determining whether a school is placed on the Early Academic Warning List or an academic watch list. Makes changes concerning students enrolled in bilingual education programs and their participation in State tests. Makes changes concerning Prairie State Achievement Awards. Provides that mandatory make-up testing for State assessments must occur on designated make-up testing dates. Requires a school district to maintain a file that contains the names of students who were not tested and statements for these students that explain why they were not tested. Provides that beginning in the 2003-2004 school year, the State Board of Education shall not make significant changes in the design of State assessments for a minimum of 5 school years. Provides that the State Board shall annually notify districts of the specific dates on which (instead of weeks during which) administrations of the Prairie State Achievement Examination are to occur. Makes changes concerning State assessment information on a school district's report card. Amends the State Mandates Act to require implementation without reimbursement. Effective immediately.