Senate Committee advances bill to set minimum statewide assessment performance for high school graduation

Senate Bill 1028, introduced to the Senate Education Committee, would require the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to establish a method and standard for a minimum performance level on the statewide assessment and direct the State Board of Education to include that minimum as a competency criterion for high school graduation.

A committee staff member summarized the bill: ADE would set the minimum performance level and a schedule giving students at least two opportunities to take the statewide assessment in both grades 11 and 12. The bill would exempt students who obtain an industry certification or passing technical skills assessment through an approved career technical education (CTE) program, and would exempt students with an individualized education program (IEP) or a Section 504 plan. School district governing boards would be required to include the minimum performance level (or an approved exemption) among their criteria for graduation; districts could offer preparatory instruction and materials in grades 9 and 10.

Sen. Kavanaugh, who agreed to sponsor the bill at the superintendent’s request, characterized the proposal as a ‘‘motivator’’ for students and said the cut score would be set at a level intended to encourage study rather than prevent graduation. Superintendent Tom Horn testified in support, saying a prior statewide exit requirement (AIMS) motivated students and teachers and that employers have reported graduates without expected skills. Horn suggested a low ACT cutoff as an example measure and said the intent is to ensure graduates are ‘‘career or college ready.’’

Opponents and public commenters raised concerns about standardized testing and one‑size‑fits‑all accountability. Isaac Glover, a public commenter, argued standardized tests can encourage short‑term memorization and do not address systemic issues that affect learning. Additional public testimony opposed increased regulation and emphasized local control and differing student needs.

Committee members debated both the policy merits and broader trends in assessments. One senator said the bill recalled No Child Left Behind and noted many states have moved away from federal‑style testing mandates; another member said declining proficiency rates in some districts made the proposal worthy of consideration. When asked about stakeholder outreach on a proposed cut score, Superintendent Horn said the administration had not convened a formal stakeholder process to set a specific cut score and that the department could do so.

The committee moved the bill with a do‑pass recommendation; the roll call recorded a final tally of 4 ayes and 3 noes. The bill sponsor indicated that a Senate sponsor (Sen. Kavanaugh) and the superintendent would continue to engage on the policy as it advances.