Date: 05/04/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB15-1323

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Adopt amendment L.047 (Attachment B). The motion p
Refer House Bill 15-1323, as amended, to the Commi		PASS
PASS



04:55 PM -- HB15-1323

 Senators Kerr and Holbert, co-sponsors, presented House Bill 15-1323 which concerns assessments in public schools. Senator Holbert distributed amendment L.047 (Attachment B). He explained the amendment and talked about the work that went into developing the bill. He talked about hold-harmless language in the amendment pertaining to parents who choose to opt their students out of assessments.

15SenateEd0504AttachB.pdf15SenateEd0504AttachB.pdf

05:07 PM

Senator Kerr explained amendment L.047 (Attachment B) in further detail and told the committee that it adds a paper and pencil option for schools administering statewide assessments.

The following people testified on the bill:

05:15 PM -- Lisa Escarcega, representing the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), spoke about the bill. She said that CASE holds a neutral position. She acknowledged what she supports about the bill, and the ways she would like to see the bill amended. Dr. Escarcega responded to questions from the committee.

05:22 PM -- Chelsea Henkel, representing Stand for Children, spoke about the bill. She stated that she appreciates that the bill reduces the current testing burden, is a good compromise, and honors the work of the House Bill 14-1202 task force. She discussed her concerns with portions of amendment L.047 (Attachment B).

05:25 PM -- Bill Jaeger, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign, spoke about the bill. He said that he was a member of the House Bill 14-1202 task force, and that the bill goes a long way to reducing the assessment burden while maintaining the intent of the state assessment system. He talked about ways in which he would like to see the bill amended.

05:28 PM -- Kerrie Dallman, representing the Colorado Education Association, spoke about the bill. She stated that the current testing burden in the state is oppressive, and that there is a need to remove negative consequences for teachers, schools, and districts when parents choose to opt their children out of assessments. She said that Colorado students are tested far beyond federal requirements. Ms. Dallman answered questions from the committee.

05:36 PM -- Luke Ragland, representing Colorado Succeeds, spoke about the bill. He talked about the concerns he has with amendment L.047 (Attachment B). Mr. Ragland answered questions from the committee.

05:42 PM -- Jason Hopfer, representing Douglas County School District, spoke about the bill. He spoke about the issues he has with amendment L.047 (Attachment B) and answered questions from the committee.


05:52 PM

There were no more witnesses and Senator Hill closed public testimony. The co-sponsors answered questions from the committee.
BILL:HB15-1323
TIME: 06:01:16 PM
MOVED:Kerr
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.047 (Attachment B). The motion passed on a vote of 6-3.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Holbert
Yes
Johnston
Yes
Kerr
Yes
Merrifield
No
Neville T.
Yes
Todd
Yes
Woods
No
Marble
No
Hill
Yes
YES: 6 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


BILL:HB15-1323
TIME: 06:07:57 PM
MOVED:Kerr
MOTION:Refer House Bill 15-1323, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 5-4.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Holbert
Yes
Johnston
Yes
Kerr
Yes
Merrifield
No
Neville T.
No
Todd
Yes
Woods
No
Marble
No
Hill
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS