Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Assessments R277 404 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adds limiting language to statewide assessment policy; final rule approved on second reading
Summary
The State Board amended R277-404 (requirements for assessments of student achievement) to add language preventing district policy from relying solely on a student's statewide assessment score to deny course access, then adopted the rule on second and final reading.
The Utah State Board of Education amended R277-404 (Requirements for Assessments of Student Achievement) to add the word "solely" to clarify that a student's score on a statewide assessment cannot be the only basis for denying access to courses, and then approved the rule on second and final reading.
During debate, Member Boggess raised concerns that the rule language did not clearly distinguish between "English" and "reading" assessments and sought clarification on how the board intended results to be used in placement decisions. Sydney McCarty, director of assessment and accountability, explained the proposal removes an English component of the Utah Aspire Plus assessment because those language standards are no longer aligned to state standards in grades 9 and 10.
Member Brinton moved to amend line 152 to add the word "solely" after "based." The amendment was seconded and passed; the transcript records the amendment passing with board opposition from Vice Chair Wood and Member Reel, and two members absent. The board subsequently adopted R277-404 draft 1 as amended on second and final reading; the recorded final approval passed with members Hart and Kelly absent.
Board members debated practical implications: several said they wanted to ensure local teams would still be able to use multiple measures for placement but not rely exclusively on statewide summative scores. Superintendent Dixon said the intent was to remove barriers for students who may have low assessment scores but other indications of readiness.
Ending: With the added language, the rule directs that enrollment or exclusion decisions for advanced courses should not be made solely on the basis of an individual statewide assessment score; local teams are expected to use broader evidence when determining placement or restrictions.
Votes at a glance: the amendment adding "solely" passed (recorded opposition: Vice Chair Wood and Member Reel); the main rule (R277-404 draft 1 as amended) passed on second and final reading (approved; two members absent).
