ISTEP test scrapped under bill approved by Indiana lawmakers

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Legislature has approved a bill calling for that will scrap the troubled ISTEP standardized exam that has been administered every year to students.

The House approved the measure on a 77-19 vote Thursday. It also was approved by the Senate and now heads to Gov. Mike Pence.

That measure, sponsored by Republican Rep. Bob Behning of Indianapolis, would scrap the unpopular test as well as create a panel to study what should replace it.

The bill does not allow Democrats to appoint members to the committee. They criticized Republicans for leaving them out of the process.

Democrats argue education policies approved by Republicans in recent years led to the problems plaguing the ISTEP exam.