Senate adopts substitute for virtual-school assessment bill after debate on nationally normed tests and charter moratorium

The Missouri Senate on April 3 adopted a substitute for Senate Bill 266, a measure intended to let students enrolled in virtual public-school programs take required assessments remotely instead of traveling to testing sites.

Senator from Callaway, sponsor of the substitute, told colleagues the bill "basically allows students that are in a virtual setting in public school systems to be able to take their tests virtually" and said the measure "sets up the standards for virtual assessment for kids that are in high school that are in virtual schools to take these assessments." The sponsor argued the change would reduce long drives for students who currently travel to testing facilities.

Why it matters: supporters said the substitute reduces burdens on students and families who otherwise must travel long distances to take assessments. Opponents and questioning senators focused on whether the bill would change accountability, how it would…