SF 2363 (LSB 6168SV (2) 87)

SENATE FILE 2363

BY  COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

(SUCCESSOR TO SSB 3194)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to assessment scores set by the department of education for successful completion of a practitioner preparation program and for initial licensure.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.16, subsection 1, paragraph a, subparagraph (2), Code 2018, is amended to read as follows:
   (2)  Administer, prior to a student’s completion of the practitioner preparation program and subject to the director’s approval, subject assessments designed by a nationally recognized testing service that measure pedagogy and knowledge of at least one subject area; or, a valid and reliable subject-area-specific, performance-based assessment for preservice teacher candidates, centered on student learning. A student shall not successfully complete the program unless the scores achieved by the student achieves scores on the assessments administered under this subparagraph are at or above the twenty-fifth percentile nationally on the assessments administered pursuant to this subparagraph minimum passing scores set by the department.  To determine the minimum passing scores for purposes of this subparagraph, the department shall use the recommended scores which are determined by the assessment provider through a validated standard setting process.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires the department of education to set the minimum passing score on state-mandated subject assessments students take to successfully complete a practitioner preparation program and for initial teacher licensure. The department is directed to use the scores recommended by the assessment provider.