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ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (March 22, 2016) – Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill Tuesday morning that eliminates the ISTEP test.

The state legislature approved the measure earlier this month. It lays out plans to create a 23-person panel to study other testing options for Hoosier students.

Pence signed the bill into law during a ceremony at Eagle Elementary in Zionsville.

“This is the beginning of a new day of testing in the state of Indiana,” Pence said. “2017 will be the last year of ISTEP in the state of Indiana.”

The bill requires that test scores be reported by July 1 each year. The results were delayed by months for the 2015 test, and other problems have plagued the ISTEP test, including technical glitches and scoring discrepancies.

Pence said ISTEP has been part of the fabric of education in Indiana for a generation, telling the crowd that new federal rules give the state flexibility to make changes.

“We’re going to seize that opportunity,” he said. “You’re going to witness law being made, and we’re going to make it at Eagle Elementary.”

The 23-person panel will include the superintendent of public instruction, several elected officials, teachers and principals. Pence will appoint the chairperson. Appointments are expected in May, and recommendations for an ISTEP alternative are due by Dec. 1.

Happy to be at Eagle Elementary @MyZvilleSchools w/ students & teachers as we sign hea 1395 to phase out ISTEP pic.twitter.com/uKG64QkK2g — Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) March 22, 2016