Illinois students will no longer be tested in writing, social studies, physical development, and fine arts, under a budget compromise that will save the state an estimated $6.3 million a year.
The legislature approved $9.1 billion of its $46 billion state budget for education July 24. The budget includes money for the state to continue testing students in reading, mathematics, and science, as required under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
State education officials opposed the changes, citing the important role the assessments have played in ensuring that students are taught to state standards in the subjects.
