Lawmakers Nearing Agreement To Reduce Student Tests

DENVER (AP) — Colorado lawmakers are close to agreement on one of the most vexing problems of the term — how to reduce standardized tests for students in public schools.

Legislators have been debating various plans to reduce student tests for months. But they've been divided over how far to go.

Compromise bills moving through the House and Senate would retain required tests in 9th grade, one of the big sticking points. But the compromise opens the door for getting rid of those tests later if the federal government agrees.

The compromise also allows local school districts to experiment writing their own tests.

The governor has said he supports a modest reduction in required tests but that most tests should stay.

Lawmakers have until Wednesday to conclude work for the year.

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