While an improvement on NCLB, the testing mandates of ESSA and the framework for innovative assessments leaves students taking too many standardized tests while limiting the ability of states and localities to develop superior systems of authentic assessments. FairTest supports reform of ESSA’s assessment and accountability measures. We will keep you posted here on efforts to amend ESSA and on Elementary and Secondary Schools Act (ESEA) reauthorization as they transpire.
For one potential way to amend amend ESSA to deemphisize testing and improve assessment systems, we suggest examining proposals put forward by the Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Education and Labor, Representative Jamal Bowman of New York. He explains his ideas in a podcast appearance linked here: