SB3164 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 37201 RJT 67320 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB3164

Introduced 2/6/2024, by Sen. Mary Edly-Allen

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-15

Amends the School Code. In provisions concerning restrictions on prekindergarten through grade 2 assessments, provides that the term "diagnostic and screening purposes" includes to determine eligibility for advanced academic programs, as defined in the Gifted and Talented Children and Children Eligible for Accelerated Placement Article of the Code. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The School Code is amended by changing Section 2-3.64a-15 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-15)

Sec. 2-3.64a-15. Restrictions on prekindergarten through grade 2 assessments.

(a) In this Section:

"Diagnostic and screening purposes" means for the purpose of determining if individual students need remedial instruction or to determine eligibility for special education, early intervention, bilingual education, dyslexia services, advanced academic programs as defined in Section 14A-17 of this Code, or other related educational services. Any assessment used to determine eligibility for special education or related services must be consistent with Section 614 of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. "Diagnostic and screening purposes" includes the identification and evaluation of students with disabilities. "Diagnostic and screening purposes" does not include any assessment in which student scores are used to rate or rank a classroom, program, teacher, school, school district, or jurisdiction.

"Standardized assessment" means an assessment that requires all student test takers to answer the same questions, or a selection of questions from a common bank of questions, in the same manner or substantially the same questions in the same manner. "Standardized assessment" does not include an observational assessment tool used to satisfy the requirements of Section 2-3.64a-10.

(b) The State Board of Education may not develop, purchase, or require a school district to administer, develop, or purchase a standardized assessment for students enrolled or preparing to enroll in prekindergarten through grade 2, other than for diagnostic and screening purposes.

(c) The State Board of Education may not provide funding for any standardized assessment of students enrolled or preparing to enroll in prekindergarten through grade 2, other than for diagnostic and screening purposes.

(d) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit the ability of a classroom teacher or school district to develop, purchase, administer, or score an assessment for an individual classroom, grade level, or group of grade levels in any subject area in prekindergarten through the grade 2.

(e) Nothing in this Section limits procedures used by a school or school district for child find under 34 CFR 300.111(c) or evaluation under 34 CFR 300.304.

(f) Nothing in this Section restricts the use of an annual assessment of English proficiency of all English learners to comply with Section 1111(b)(2)(G) of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(Source: P.A. 102-875, eff. 5-13-22.)

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.