Author: FairTest

The wide range of stories in this week’s news clips show the growing breadth and depth of the grassroots testing resistance and reform movement. Parents, students, educators and community leaders are all pushing for fewer standardized exams, an end to high-stakes testing, and better assessments based on classroom performance. NationalProtecting Opportunity to Learn Through ESSA […]

Assessment Matters: Constructing Model State Systems to Replace Testing Overkill This report describes how states can overhaul their assessment systems under the Innovative Assessment pilot program in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). It shows policymakers how to: develop assessment systems that minimize standardized testing; enhance classroom-based, teacher-controlled, student-focused assessing; diminish state and federal micro-control […]

for further information: Bob Schaeffer (239) 395-6773 mobile (239) 699-0468 for release Tuesday, September 27, 2016 “OLD” SAT SCORES DROP AGAIN;NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKING SAT SUBJECT TESTS CONTINUES TO DECLINE;AT SAME TIME, TEST-OPTIONAL ADMISSIONS MOVEMENT SURGESAS 32 MORE SCHOOLS SAY THEY WILL IGNORE SAT/ACT EXAM RESULTS SAT scores for high school seniors dropped again this […]

Topping this week’s news: more jurisdictions roll back graduation exams, another state’s computer testing system collapses, and activists across the country press for more assessment reforms at the same time test-and-punish advocates push for even more counter-productive tests. National More States Abolish or Suspend Graduation Testswww.fairtest.org/graduation-test-update-states-recently-eliminated Alaska Many Inaccuracies on State-Mandated School Readiness Testhttp://juneauempire.com/neighbors/2016-09-25/giving-kids-good-start California […]

The 2016-2017 academic year is barely underway, but grassroots assessment reform pressure is already producing positive changes in both K-12 schools and university admission policies. Remember that back issues of these weekly updates are archived at: https://fairtest.orgdata.com.org/news/other — friends and colleagues can sign up at: https://fairtest.orgdata.com.org/weekly-news-signup National ESSA Raises Stakes in 2016 State Electionshttp://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/09/14/essa-raises-k-12-stakes-in-…National Opt-Out […]

for further information, contact: Bob Schaeffer (239) 395-6773 mobile (239) 699-0468 for immediate release Monday, September 19, 2016 HALF OF “TOP 100” LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES DO NOT REQUIRE ACT/SAT SCORES FROM ALL OR MANY APPLICANTS; MORE THAN 240 “TOP TIER” SCHOOLS IN 2017 U.S. NEWS GUIDE NOW HAVE TEST-OPTIONAL OR TEST-FLEXIBLE ADMISSIONS POLICIES A record […]

This week’s news clips reinforce the trend summarized in FairTest’s new report “Testing Reform Victories 2016.” The upcoming academic year will feature fewer tests with reduced consequences attached to them along with an initial wave of improved assessment systems encouraged by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Obviously, the grassroots testing resistance and reform movement […]

for further information:Lisa Guisbond (617) 959-2371Bob Schaeffer (239) 395-6773 For release Wednesday, September 8, 2016 BACK-TO-SCHOOL REPORT TALLIES 2016 TESTING REFORM VICTORIES —FEWER EXAMS, LOWER STAKES, STRONGER LEARNING MEASURES;NEW FEDERAL LAW OPENS DOOR TO BETTER ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS As schools open around the nation, a new report tallies the victories recently won by the grassroots testing […]

With school doors opening across the country, there’s a surge of stories critiquing the value of test scores and examining potential assessment reforms. If you have colleagues or friends who would benefit from receiving these weekly news clip summaries, please encourage them to sign up at:https://fairtest.orgdata.com.org/weekly-news-signup Multiple StatesComputer Testing Errors Likely Disrupted Student Scoreshttps://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/state-testing-disruptions-likely-produced-dips-and-gains-in-student-scores-study-says/ CaliforniaState […]

“Less Testing, No High-Stakes, Better Assessments” — that’s the core message parents, educators and community leaders are effectively delivering to policymakers as a new school year begins across the nation. Look for a forthcoming FairTest report on “Testing Reform Victories 2015-2016” summarizing recent successes. Alaska State Seeking Bids for New Test After Exam Administration Failurehttp://www.adn.com/alaska-news/education/2016/08/23/alaska-education-dep… […]