House plan would restore funding for science tests

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Students in all Missouri schools could once again be taking standardized science tests next year due to a decision Tuesday by a House committee to restore state funding for the tests.

Because of budget cuts this school year, the state is paying only for the math and communications portions of the Missouri Assessment Program tests.

The House Budget Committee decided Tuesday to restore state funding for the science test during the fiscal year that starts July 1. But the committee opted against funding the social studies test and the health and physical education test, which is not being given this year either.

The result is that $6.8 million in state funds would go toward the MAP tests for math, communications and science. The $2.65 million that would have funded the other two tests instead was redirected by the committee to the state's safe schools program.

The safe schools program received nearly $7.7 million this year but was targeted for elimination by a House appropriations committee.

This year, Schulte said, 192 school districts received state grants for alternative education programs. The three-year grants are gradually decreased each year. Schulte said the $2.65 million approved by the House Budget Committee would allow schools already in the program to continue receiving some money but would not allow new grants.

The school-funding decisions were among the first changes made by the House Budget Committee, which is trying to settle on a budget that can be considered by the full House next week.

The education budget already assumes a $91 million cut in basic aid to public schools by removing the bonus districts receive for students enrolled in summer school.

House members have been looking to cut money from next year's budget to help cover a shortfall estimated between $700 million and $1 billion.

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On the Net:

Missouri Legislature: http://www.moga.state.mo.us

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: http://www.dese.state.mo.us