11th-graders from having to take may no longer have to take the controversial Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium test.  The Senate on Thursday voted 33-3 to relieve high school juniors from that requirement, replacing it with a nationally recognized college readiness exam, such as the SAT.  Wilton state Senator Toni Boucher called this a bipartisan breakthrough.  She says it's an opportunity to open doors for so many of Connecticut's schoolchildren.

About 85 percent of Connecticut students take the SAT. Lawmakers said they hope this bill might inspire the other 15 percent to pursue college. 

Southbury state Senator Rob Kane was among the 3 votes in opposition. 

There are currently about 40,000 11th-grade students in Connecticut.  The bill awaits action by the House.