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Education panel approves $5.39M increase for English-learner screening and summative assessments
Summary
The committee approved a $5,393,685.10 increase to the state’s Cambium contract to cover higher-than-anticipated demand for English-learner screeners and summative assessments; members debated whether the state’s centralized solution displaces local instructional supports.
The Department of Education told the Fiscal Review committee it needs an additional $5,393,685.10 in contract authority with Cambium Assessment to account for increased demand for English-learner screening and summative assessments.
Anna Hall, legislative liaison for the Department of Education, said, “The department is requesting an amendment to its contract with Cambium assessment by increasing the maximum liability by $5,393,685.10.” Dr. David Laird, assistant commissioner for assessment, accountability and research, explained that the department revised projections based on new screener data and population trends and that the contract covers both the screener and summative assessments.
Representative Bridal and other members sought historical context about previous arrangements. Representative Bridal noted local districts historically handled screening and expressed concern that state-level provision could shift costs and responsibilities from local education agencies to the state. Dr. Laird and Hall said the new centralized administration provides higher-fidelity screening and improved score reporting to districts, though they acknowledged some instructional supports remain locally managed.
The committee voted to approve the amendment. Members asked the department to continue monitoring how the centralized approach affects local LEA work and resources.
What’s next: the Department will continue to report on implementation and coordinate with districts to ensure assessment data are shared and used to inform student supports.
