INDIANAPOLIS — The ISTEP standardized test that has measured student performance in Indiana since 1987 appears unlikely to survive into a fourth decade.
The Republican-controlled Senate voted 38-10 Tuesday for House Bill 1395, which eliminates the test July 1, 2017, following years of repeated ISTEP vendor, test administration and scoring problems.
Indiana does not yet have a replacement test that meets federal and state requirements. The Senate legislation creates a 22-member committee charged with devising one by Dec. 1.
Under the plan, Glenda Ritz, the Democratic state superintendent of public instruction, would be a member of the panel, but its chairman would be selected by Republican Gov. Mike Pence.
A similar ISTEP replacement proposal previously passed the Republican-controlled House, 86-11.
Lawmakers likely will meet in a House-Senate conference committee to settle on a compromise plan that must be re-approved by both chambers to go to the governor for his signature or veto.
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