Committee orders independent study on whether Smarter Balanced can replace Keystone exams

The committee adopted Amendment A02316 to House Bill 17 52, which requires an independent study to evaluate whether Smarter Balanced Assessments can provide an alternative to the Keystone exams. The amendment passed unanimously on roll call and the bill passed the committee 26–0.

"Rather than a study, I'd just like to see the change," Chair Cutler said during debate, noting his preference for direct statutory change if consensus can be found. Representative Curry and others backed the study approach, praising stakeholder engagement and the amendment's collaborative drafting.

The staff description said the independent study would evaluate whether Smarter Balanced Assessments can supply an alternative to current Keystone exam requirements. Committee members discussed the role of assessment in college readiness and whether a study or immediate statutory change would be the faster path to reform.

The unanimous committee vote advances the bill with the study requirement; members said they expect the study's results to inform floor debate or future statutory changes.