K-12 omnibus bill offered

Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul) said the omnibus K-12 education policy bill maintains the integrity of the Department of Education’s policy proposals while incorporating lawmakers’ priorities.

Sponsored by Mariani, HF1179 was discussed March 26 by the House K-12 Education Policy and Oversight Committee. A vote was expected that evening.

Significant new provisions would begin to shape a comprehensive statewide policy on the frequency, nature and use of student testing. They include proposals to:

• use and evaluate computer-adaptive testing, which uses interactive technology to adjust a test to the ability of the test taker, allowing results to be quickly used by a classroom teacher to identify and correct instructional gaps;

• continue to expand growth model assessments in addition to proficiency and yearly progress; and

• direct the Office of Educational Accountability to convene a temporary advisory group to examine and make recommendations on the role of high-stakes assessments, such as the math Graduate Required Assessment for Diploma.

The bill would re-align many state special education provisions more closely with federal law, such as dispute resolution and due process hearings that parents may request regarding aspects of special education placement or services provided. It would repeal existing provisions regarding the use of “aversive and deprivation” procedures and replace them with updated definitions and proposals about when certain interventions to manage aggressive student behavior can be used and by whom. It could also repeal the requirement that school districts provide transportation for special education services for nonpublic school students.

School districts would be required to develop a plan to improve student achievement among all groups of students and designate 5 percent of their basic revenue to implement research-based practices to advance that goal.

Not included in the bill is charter school reform, introduced in HF935, sponsored by Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL-Richfield), nor safe schools levy and maintenance of effort requirements, addressed in HF920, the education mandate reduction bill, sponsored by Rep. Tom Tilberry (DFL-Fridley).

The bill’s companion, SF1253, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Wiger (DFL-Maplewood), is scheduled to be heard March 27 by the Senate State and Local Government Operations and Oversight Committee.