Florida Gov. signs bill to limit standardized tests

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida will place new limits on standardized tests under a bill signed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott signed the measure into law on Tuesday. It was overwhelmingly passed earlier this month by the Florida Legislature.

The changes represent a departure for the Republican-controlled Legislature because it a step back from some of the reforms championed by former Gov. Jeb Bush.

The new law caps statewide standardized testing at 45 hours a year. It would let school districts move up the start of the school year to Aug. 10.

The legislation would delay the release of this year’s school grades until an independent review of the new test can be performed. Other sanctions associated with annual testing would also be put on hold while the review is underway.