Ensure Fair and Equitable Student Assessment Options in Public Schools

 

The purpose of this bill is to allow students who struggle with traditional tests to use alternative assessments, such

as projects or teacher read exams.

 

Traditional testing methods often fail to reflect the true knowledge and abilities of every student. Many experience

test anxiety, have learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD, or perform better through creative or hands-on methods.

While IEPs and 504 plans provide accommodations for some, many students who struggle with tests don’t qualify for these

supports. By offering alternative assessments such as tests read aloud by a teacher or project based evaluations, this

act gives all students a fair chance to demonstrate their understanding. It promotes educational equity, supports mental

health and helps teachers more accurately measure learning.

 

Alternative Assessment: Any evaluation of student learning other than a standard written or multiple choice test.

Examples include -

oral presentation

Research projects, essays or creative work

Demonstrations or portfolios

Tests read aloud by a teacher or taken orally

Tests administered in an alternative environment with additional support or time.

 

Funding for this act will come from existing Department of Education resources and will not require additional state

funds.

 

School districts shall ensure compliance with this act. The Minnesota Department of Education will oversee

implementation through annual reports and may review districts that fail to comply.

 

This act shall take effect at the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic school year.