Committee backs bill to cut state testing and direct BESE to seek alternatives that preserve federal funding

The House Education Committee on May 28 reported Senate Bill 246, a measure to reduce the number of state-mandated tests and to direct BESE to evaluate other assessments that could substitute while preserving federal funding.

Senator Abraham, the bill sponsor, said the bill reduces testing roughly 36% and asks the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) to evaluate norm-referenced or other instruments that might still meet federal accountability and funding requirements under ESSA. The governor’s and BESE’s staff participated in the discussion and LDOE officials emphasized the need to preserve federal compliance.

Why it matters: School and district leaders, teachers and families have long complained about testing volume. The sponsor said the measure could save approximately $2.2 million per year from reduced testing while keeping the state’s ability to receive federal education funds. Committee witnesses said the measure aligns with the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce testing burdens while maintaining the integrity of data used to determine federal and state accountability.

Committee members asked whether alternatives exist that would still allow Louisiana to draw federal funds; Ashley Townsend of the LDOE explained that federal law requires states to use instruments that measure student proficiency against state standards (criterion-referenced assessments) and stressed that any alternative must maintain eligibility for federal funding. Committee members, including Representative Tarver and Representative Owen, expressed support for reducing testing burdens for students and staff.

After questions and a short staff presentation on proposed testing reductions, the committee moved SB 246 favorably with no recorded opposition in the hearing record.