Bill would make NC 11th graders take national test

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — The North Carolina Legislature this year took away several end-of-course standardized tests high schoolers must take. Now lawmakers are considering adding new ones that educators say will more accurately measure student performance.

The House Education Committee agreed Tuesday to legislation requiring North Carolina 11th graders to take the ACT national college entrance exam starting next school year if money is available. Students also would take pretests in eighth and 10th grades.

Bill sponsor Rep. Tricia Cotham of Charlotte said the ACT is considered the test that measures whether a student is meeting new academic standards being assembled by more than 40 states.

The General Assembly agreed last month to end standardized tests in US History, Algebra 2, Physical Science and Civics and Economics.

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