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Bill would remove the requirement that a national assessment test score be used for admissions
DENVER, CO– Representative Cathy Kipp and Tony Exum Sr.’s bill to remove the requirement that Colorado colleges and universities require national assessment test scores like the SAT and ACT as an eligibility criterion for admission passed the House on third reading today by a vote of 42-22.
“This bill breaks down barriers for students and brings greater equity to our college admissions process,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “As institutions of higher education across the country do away with the national assessment test score requirement, this bill will allow Colorado’s own great colleges and universities to remain competitive in prospective student recruitment. This bill is a win-win for both students and schools.”
“ACT and SAT tests often represent an additional barrier for already disadvantaged students seeking access to higher education,” said Rep. Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “This bill gives colleges and universities in Colorado the option to do away with standardized test scores as an admissions requirement, allowing them to strengthen, diversify, and enrich their student bodies. There’s plenty in a student’s college application besides a test score to gauge achievement and the potential for success, and I’m glad we’re allowing more students the opportunity to shine.”
HB21-1067 stipulates that the governing boards of state institutions of higher education are no longer required to use a national assessment test score as an eligibility criterion for admission. Schools still may choose to use the scores if they so desire, and if a student chooses to submit their test score when it’s not required, the institution must consider it. Under this bill, each institution would report annually on the demographic breakdown of their incoming freshman class to better understand how this policy impacts its diversity.