The measure has been opposed by conservative education groups, which see it as a punishment for kids who opt out of the exams. But it’s been widely supported by teachers, who say it will help motivate students who do take them because they could now get extra credit for high scores.
If signed, HB118 would amend state law, which currently prohibits schools from encouraging participation on standardized tests by providing rewards. Under the measure, Instructors could instead boost class grades for those who do well. (Though teachers still could not punish those who do poorly or choose to opt out and could not provide non-academic incentives.