A bill to establish requirements regarding national tests in reading and mathematics.

Summary

Directs the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement, before any funds are obligated for a fiscal year, to submit to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a spending plan for activities funded through the Office of Educational Research and Improvement for such year. Gives to the National Assessment Governing Board (established under the National Education Statistics Act of 1994) exclusive authority over all policies, direction, and guidelines for establishing and implementing voluntary national tests for fourth grade English reading and eighth grade mathematics. Requires such tests to be made available, upon request, to a State, local educational agency, or private or parochial school. Prohibits making the use of such tests a condition for receiving any Federal funds. Directs the Board to review the current national test development contract, and modify it as necessary, or terminate it and negotiate a new contract under the Board's exclusive control. Sets forth Board responsibilities with respect to development of, and content and standards for, such tests. Prohibits a State or local educational agency from requiring any private or parochial school student, or home-schooled individual, to take any test developed under this Act without the student's or individual's written consent. Amends the National Education Statistics Act of 1994 to: (1) revise requirements for appointment of Board members; and (2) provide that the Board, in its exercise of its functions, powers, and duties, shall be independent of the Secretary of Education and the other offices and officers of the Department of Education. Directs the Secretary to appoint individuals to fill vacancies on the Board caused by expiration of member terms or creation of new membership positions under this Act.

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Timeline

1. 7 October 1997

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 7 October 1997

   Introduced

   Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10479-10480)

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 7 October 1997

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in Senate · 7 October 1997 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 7 October 1997

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 7 October 1997

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 7 October 1997

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] · D · Sponsor
• · sshr00 · Standing

Related records

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