Committee clears option for districts to offer statewide tests on paper
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Summary
HB20‑33 would let school districts or charter governing bodies choose to administer statewide assessments in paper form. Supporters said paper testing can reduce technology‑related barriers for some students; members asked for stakeholder work on grading, cost and comparability.
Representative Fink told the committee HB20‑33 would allow a district or charter governing body, by board vote, to administer the statewide assessment as a paper‑and‑pencil test rather than digital testing. The sponsor said the change would help younger students and those in under‑resourced schools who may be disadvantaged by digital testing navigation and keyboarding demands.
Proponents including principals and literacy specialists argued paper testing reduces cognitive load related to navigation, can improve accuracy for some students and removes technology barriers. Supporters noted that federal and state accountability standards require valid, comparable results and said boards would make local decisions.
Opponents warned that widespread use of paper tests would raise costs, lengthen grading timelines and complicate comparability across districts; they also requested stakeholder consultation, particularly on special education accommodations and operational feasibility for large districts. The committee advanced HB20‑33 with a due‑pass recommendation while several members urged amendments and stakeholder engagement before floor action.
