SCH CD-STANDARDS/ASSESSMENTS

Amends the School Code. Replaces provisions concerning State goals and assessment. Requires the State Board of Education to establish the academic standards that are to be applicable to students who are subject to State assessments, with public participation. Provides that (i) beginning no later than the 2014-2015 school year, the State Board shall annually assess all students enrolled in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and mathematics; (ii) beginning no later than the 2017-2018 school year, the State Board shall annually assess all students in science at one grade in grades 3 through 5, at one grade in grades 6 through 9, and at one grade in grades 10 through 12; and (iii) the State Board shall annually assess schools that operate a secondary education program in English language arts and mathematics. Provides that the State Board shall administer no more than 3 assessments, per student, of English language arts and mathematics for students in a secondary education program and one of these assessments shall include a college and career ready determination. Provides that students who are not assessed for college and career ready determinations may not receive a regular high school diploma unless the student is exempted from taking State assessments. Sets forth provisions concerning students receiving special education services and students determined to have limited English proficiency, results of scores, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and local assessments. Makes related changes. Effective July 1, 2014.