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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
statewide assessment; written form; requirements
Purpose
Authorizes a school district or charter school to administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test on approval by a majority vote of the school district governing board or charter school governing body.
Background
Statute requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt and implement statewide assessments to measure pupil achievement of the SBE-adopted academic standards in reading, writing and mathematics, and allows the SBE to administer assessments of the academic standards in social studies and science. A statewide assessment must be given: 1) in English Language arts and mathematics annually in grades three through eight and at least once in high school; 2) in science, at least once in grades three through five, grades six through eight and in high school; and 3) in other subjects and for other students, at the direction of the SBE. The SBE determines the manner of implementation for the statewide assessments.
A school district or charter school may administer the statewide
assessment in the form of a written test only: 1) if a written test is required
pursuant to an Individualized Education Program or a Section 504 plan; 2) to
accommodate special circumstances; 3) for religious purposes; or
4) on request by a pupil's parent or guardian (A.R.S.
§ 15-741; A.A.C.
R7-2-300).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Expands the list of reasons for which a school district or charter school may administer the statewide assessment in the form of a written test to include on approval by a majority vote of the school district governing board or charter school governing body.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
ED 1/27/26 DP 7-2-2-1
3rd Read 2/25/26 31-22-7
Prepared by Senate Research
March 6, 2026
MH/SM/hk