TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — State lawmakers are working to alleviate anxiety about taking the test to help students win a high school diploma. This includes mathematics and English exams.
Supporters of the bill said they aim to help students test their anxiety by eliminating the need to graduate from the need to pass a specific test.
The proposed changes are part of a massive education reform bill that some lawmakers believe will set students better towards success.
“It focuses on not only children who can take the test, but also all children,” Sen. Corey Simon said.
The bill ends the requirement that high school students pass the final evaluation to earn a diploma with Algebra 1 and English final evaluation.
Currently, these standardized tests account for 30% of students’ final grades.
“We all learn differently, but we take tests that don’t focus on all our strengths. So it’s important that we continue this job and make sure our kids leave our school and they don’t get defeated,” Simon said.
The bill also allows third-graders to continue up to fourth-grade if they fail the final reading assessment by passing two progress checks in the year.
The Florida Senate Board of Education has approved the bill, but some have doubts about how changes will affect students after graduation.
“Is there a way to ensure that students who meet basic proficiency guidelines and who can become productive members of our society will graduate?” asked State Sen. Lori Berman.
Simon said it was the first time students step into the classroom and get tested three times a year. He said he wanted to see them being evaluated not only by how well they scored in the Test, but also by their overall performance.
“Some of our kids struggle with our tests, but the track record of students over eight or nine years should be able to tell if their child is at grade level and mastering the material and is having a bad day,” he said.
If this bill is passed and the law is signed, it will take effect in July 2025.
