PACT could be replaced

Educators could get their wish for a new school accountability test.

The Senate Education Committee approved a bill April 9 that would replace the unpopular Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). If approved, elementary and middle school students in grades 3-8 could begin taking another year-end test in the 2008-2009 school year.

The proposed bill would replace PACT with a test called the Elementary and Middle School Achievement Program (EMSAP). The Senate committee delayed a decision on adding tests for first and second graders until the 2009-2010 school year.

The EMSAP test would be used in determining school report card ratings under the state's school accountability system.

Educators have been critical of PACT in recent years, arguing the current test does not provide teachers with timely information on a student's strengths and weaknesses. This is the final year of a 10-year state contract with the company that produces PACT.

The school accountability bill is being debated in the Senate. The House of Representatives unanimously passed the bill in late February.