Sponsors: William Ligon, Jr (R-Brunswick), Josh McKoon (R-Columbus), Hunter Hill (R-Atlanta), Michael Williams (R- Cumming), P.K. Martin IV, (R- Lawrenceville), Marty Harbin (R- Tyrone), and others.
- Allows students to take standardized assessments with pencil and paper if requested.
- Allows the State School Superintendent to develop testing opt-out policies which prohibit school districts from taking punitive action against a student and which include the adoption of “sit-and-stare policies,” in response to a student’s refusal to participate in testing.
- These guidelines shall offer positive learning opportunities for students and not be undirected free time. The guidelines shall also address how and when the school system’s policy will be communicated to parents, students, and school staff.
- Allows students to be excused from assessments if they are diagnosed with life-threatening or serious health conditions.
- Allows students to make up assessments if necessary
- Prohibits test refusal from being used as the sole basis on which student retention is based.
Mandates that teachers, principals, assistant principals, schools, and local school systems not be subject to any penalties due to any student’s non-participation in assessments.
