Senate backs limit on Common Core test contract

LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Senate has voted to limit the length of the state's contract with a testing company whose assessments are based on Common Core education standards.

The bill approved by the Senate on a 22-2 vote Thursday prevents the state from entering into a contract for more than a year with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers. The measure requires the state to consider the recommendations from a state task force before deciding to renew its involvement in PARCC.

An earlier version of the House-backed bill called for an end to the state's involvement in the PARCC exam. The bill heads back to the House.

The PARCC exam is based on Common Core education standards that have been adopted by a majority of states, including Arkansas.

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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