State outlines testing reductions under Act 472; science scheduling to follow standards review

Department staff summarized changes required by Act 472 of the 2025 legislative session and how they will affect statewide testing. The presenter reviewed federal testing requirements under ESSA and explained that Act 472 directs the state to limit science and social studies tests to not more than four grade levels each beginning in 2027–28 and to avoid testing science and social studies in the same grades. LDOE said it will administer social studies tests in grades 3, 5, 8 and high school under the current plan; science grade placement is being delayed while the department conducts a vertical alignment review of the science standards to determine the most pedagogically appropriate grade assignments for science assessments. Public commenter Angela Beck asked the department to align curriculum and released practice materials so third‑grade teachers — including novices — can review and prepare students for combined coverage of kindergarten through third‑grade social studies concepts. The department replied that it coordinates assessment and academic teams and that social studies should be taught with an awareness of vertical gaps so teachers adjoin instruction to fill missing prior content. LDOE staff also agreed to review practice release materials for alignment with the updated assessment approach. No formal votes were taken at the council; staff framed the change as an implementation planning item linked to the statutory deadline.