House takes up plan to reform public education

DENVER (AP) - A legislative committee has approved a bill aimed at updating the state's curriculum standards from preschool through college.

The bill approved Monday by the House Education Committee also adds a series of tests meant to make sure high school graduates are ready for college and the working world.

Lawmakers say they're frustrated with the Colorado Student Assessment Program that was developed by educators and teachers a decade ago. Those tests would be phased out and replaced.

Governor Bill Ritter (D-Colorado) is backing the plan. He says education must change for the 21st century.

Ritter says the current dropout rate is too high and not enough students are graduating from college with the skills they need.

The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.