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Homeschool testing bill that adds CLT advances after outside testimony; members voice data comparability concerns
Summary
HB 17,29 would let independent homeschoolers take nationally normed tests (including the Classic Learning Test) in place of TCAP in certain grades; outside witnesses from HSLDA and CLT testified in support while members raised questions about concordance and removal of an intervention statute for homeschool remediation.
Chairman Slater presented House Bill 17,29, which would expand testing options for independent homeschoolers to include nationally normed standardized tests and add the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an accepted exam for certain grade levels and college admissions parity. Supporters from outside groups testified: Will Estrada of the Homeschool Legal Defense Association told the committee the bill "is a common sense bill" that increases choice and updates older statutory language, and Noah Tyler of the CLT described the test as aiming for a higher standard of literacy and noted recent adoptions in some higher‑education contexts.
Committee members pressed witnesses on data comparability, calculator policies and whether the CLT provides an apples‑to‑apples comparison to ACT/SAT/TCAP; members also raised concern that the bill would remove an intervention pathway that allowed LEAs to require remediation or enrollment if homeschoolers fell behind. After discussion and testimony, the bill was advanced to full Education (recorded: 4 ayes, 3 nos, 1 present not voting).
