Concerning state-administered social studies assessments, and, in connection therewith, reducing an appropriation.
Summary
HB26-1353 narrows Colorado’s state-administered social studies testing requirements. Under current law, the Department of Education must administer social studies assessments to public elementary and middle school students, with students tested once in elementary school and once in middle school, and the tests administered in a representative sample of schools each year so that each public school is tested at least once every three years. This bill removes those broader elementary and middle school requirements and instead requires the department to administer a state social studies assessment only to students enrolled in seventh grade in public schools statewide.
The bill also makes a related budget change by reducing the state education fund appropriation for the statewide assessment program for fiscal year 2026-27 by $302,835, subject to the availability of an appropriation in the annual long bill. It takes effect upon passage, with the appropriation adjustment contingent on the 2026-27 annual appropriations act becoming law.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes section 22-7-1006.3, changing the scope of required state social studies assessments and eliminating the statutory requirement to test elementary and middle school students and to use a representative sample of schools on a rotating basis. In practical terms, the Department of Education would be required to administer social studies testing only in seventh grade statewide, reducing testing obligations for schools and the department. It also decreases the statewide assessment program appropriation from the state education fund by $302,835 for the 2026-27 fiscal year, affecting the Department of Education’s budget and the administration of assessments.
Sentiment
The available record suggests generally favorable or at least noncontroversial treatment of the bill, as it advanced through the legislature and was ultimately signed by the governor. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the materials supplied. The bill’s appropriations-focused framing and its reduction of testing requirements suggest support from those seeking to streamline assessments and reduce costs.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the reduction in social studies assessment coverage. Supporters are likely to view the bill as a way to cut unnecessary testing, reduce administrative burden, and save money, while opponents could argue that eliminating elementary and middle school assessments reduces statewide visibility into student learning in social studies and weakens accountability. A secondary issue is the budget reduction tied to the statewide assessment program, which may concern education stakeholders focused on assessment capacity and data collection.