State Senate OKs Testing Protections For Ohio Students

Ohio senators have passed a bill to bar schools from using the results of new proficiency tests to determine a student's advancement to the next grade level.
 
The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday on the legislation, which also ensures that schools don't lose state aid for students not taking standardized tests this school year.
 
The measure also prohibits using the results of new state math and English assessments to make course credit decisions. It further prevents schools from sharing individual test scores with outside sources without parental consent.
 
Backers of the bill want students to have the same protections against unintended consequences of the new tests as teachers and school districts.
 
The House passed an earlier version and must agree to the Senate's changes before the measure goes to the governor.