As Colorado schools undergo changes in testing systems, a 15-member panel will start meeting Tuesday to see how the implementation of new tests is going.

The task force was mandated by a bill passed by the legislature this year that initially sought to create a process for districts to opt out of parts of the state testing requirements.

Instead, the task force will contract for a study to shed light on disparities in how districts are administering tests, whether they are facing technology challenges, and how useful the results are to educators.

The research is also meant to look at the impact testing has on classroom instruction time, and the impact it has on students.

"We've had conversations about testing in the past and how much time it was taking away from instruction," said Rep. Ray Scott, R-Grand Junction, who sponsored the bill.

"There were discussions about technology not being up to par," Scott said. "All these things added together just made it very obvious something had to happen."

The Standards and Assessments Task Force will use the study's data to consider the need for waivers for school districts and schools.


"There's a lot of lack of clarity about assessments and what's being given, and how those different tests interact with each other," said task force member Luke Ragland, the vice president of policy for Colorado Succeeds, a nonprofit coalition of business leaders promoting education.

"There might be a wide variation among districts and even among schools, but this will give us the ability to work off of fact," Ragland said.

The other members of the task force include two teachers — one who is a union representative and one who works at a Denver charter school — a parent, and educators from rural, urban and suburban school districts.

The task force is due to present a report, including any recommendations, to the legislature by Jan. 31, but it does not need to reach a consensus.

To get the process started, the Colorado Department of Education has already requested quotes from companies that can do the research.

Tuesday, the task force will select five members to review the submitted proposals.

It also will get a presentation from the Colorado Department of Education on the state's assessment system.

"There's a lot of good that can come from this," Scott said. "It's going to be an interesting exchange of ideas."

Yesenia Robles: 303-954-1372, or