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Committee adds amendments to bill shifting high‑school accountability toward ACT and allowing CTE course substitutions
Summary
The K-12 Subcommittee amended and advanced House Bill 675 to reduce state end‑of‑course (EOC) testing emphasis, use the ACT suite for high‑school accountability, and permit certain CTE courses to substitute for algebra II, foreign language and chemistry for graduation; the bill passed 8‑0.
Leader Cochran (sponsor) and committee members described House Bill 675 as an effort to reduce duplicated testing and to focus high‑school accountability on the ACT (or comparable ACT‑suite tests). An amendment identified by drafting code 5310 — described by the sponsor as a “friendly amendment” co‑authored with committee leadership — was adopted and reduces EOC testing, places emphasis for high‑school accountability on the ACT and preACT suite, and allows career and technical education (CTE) students to substitute state board‑approved CTE courses for algebra II, a foreign language and chemistry for graduation purposes.
Committee counsel Katie Robertson said a subsequent amendment (drafting code 4923) required a technical correction to the bill’s effective date if it were adopted; that amendment was explained and adopted after committee discussion. The sponsor said the bill retains accountability but shifts which assessments are emphasized: "We just want to make sure that it is the correct testing accountability and data," Leader Cochran said.
Representative Russell McKenzie asked whether the changes would leave students who pursue non‑college careers with appropriate preparation. Committee members and the sponsor replied that the ACT suite includes CTE‑relevant assessments such as ACT WorkKeys and that the CTE substitution language was intended to give flexibility for students on technical pathways.
The committee voted on the amended bill; the clerk reported 8 ayes, 0 noes. The bill advances to full education.
Ending: Sponsors and legal counsel noted there remain technical drafting items (effective dates and numbering) to be finalized before full committee consideration; sponsors said they will continue to work with stakeholders.
