SPRINGFIELD – A new law that would prohibit standardized tests for students pre-K though second grade, supported by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, was signed into law on Friday.

“Standardized testing has become a hallmark of our education system,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Studies show that there are better ways than a high-stakes test to measure children’s learning, and that is through their play and interaction.”  

Senate Bill 3986 ensures the Illinois State Board of Education does not develop or administer standardized tests for students Pre-K through second grade, except for the case of diagnostic and screening tests including determining eligibility for special education services, bilingual services, dyslexia interventions, observational tools like the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey, and the federally mandated English Learner assessments.

Currently, the federal government only mandates standardized tests from third grade and on, although ISBE is currently considering allowing optional standardized tests for younger students.

“We shouldn’t burden students already run down from the pandemic with more tests,” said Loughran Cappel. “This law will ensure our teachers have the tools they need to help our students learn what they need to.”

The new law takes effect immediately.