Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB887

Introduced
4/10/23  

Caption

In professional employees relating to revised rating system, further providing for definitions; and providing for Student-Centered Assessment Pilot Program.

Impact

If implemented, HB 887 is expected to have significant implications on state education laws by modifying how student assessments are conducted within Pennsylvania's education system. The establishment of a pilot program for adaptive testing allows school districts to exempt participating students from certain standardized tests, thereby fostering a more personalized educational experience. This reform aims to address the limitations of traditional testing methods and may lead to improved academic outcomes for students across various grade levels.

Summary

House Bill 887 aims to amend the Public School Code of 1949 by introducing a Student-Centered Assessment Pilot Program that emphasizes adaptive testing for students in Pennsylvania's public schools. The bill specifies that assessments will be tailored to track student growth throughout the academic year, providing critical instructional data that educators can use to gauge academic achievement. The proposed definition of 'assessment' is broadened to include blended adaptive assessments, along with existing standardized tests, creating a more comprehensive approach to evaluating student performance.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 887 appears to be largely supportive among educators and educational advocacy groups who recognize the need for a more flexible and growth-oriented assessment system. Proponents argue that adaptive testing will allow for more accurate reflections of student learning and needs. However, there may be contention regarding the adequacy of resources and training available for teachers and administrators to effectively implement the new assessment standards.

Contention

While the bill's intent to focus on student-centered assessment is largely viewed positively, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the feasibility of adopting new testing frameworks and the potential challenges associated with transitioning from traditional assessment methods. Specific points of contention could include the adequacy of training for educators administering adaptive tests and the implications of restructuring current evaluation processes in a way that truly supports diverse student learning experiences.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB727

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions, for Keystone Exams and graduation requirements and for special provisions applicable to the Keystone Exams, graduation requirements and alternative competency assessment; in district superintendents and assistant district superintendents, further providing for performance review; in professional employees, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, further providing for assisting students experiencing education instability; in E-chievement Program, further providing for definitions; and, in educational tax credits, further providing for definitions.

PA SB1039

In student supports, further providing for definitions and for student supports and providing for the Pennsylvania Mental Health First Aid Training Program; and, in school safety and security, further providing for the School Safety and Security Grant Program.

PA HB1505

In early learning programs, further providing for definitions.

PA HB161

Further providing for definitions.

PA SB930

In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further prov iding for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1253

In student supports, further providing for definitions and for student supports; and, in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for duties of committee, for standardized protocols and for reporting and memorandum of understanding.

PA HB856

In sales and use tax, further providing for assessment; in personal income tax, further providing for assessment; in corporate net income tax, further providing for assessments; in procedure and administration, further providing for petition for reassessment; and, in general provisions, further providing for petitions for refunds and providing for compromise or adjustment of assessments.

PA HB192

In intermediate units, repealing provisions relating to psychological services; in professional employees, further providing for definitions and providing for school social workers; and, in school health services, further providing for health services and providing for school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers and school nurses.

PA HB1903

In Safe2Say Program, further providing for definitions and for Safe2Say Program; in postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence policy and online reporting system, further providing for definitions, for policy for postsecondary institution sexual harassment and sexual violence and for online reporting system; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1648

In pupils and attendance, further providing for definitions and providing for mental health days.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.