“Warning” signs abound as more states release scores from spring 2021, pandemic-influenced annual exams. Just as assessment reformers predicted the new data provide educators with little meaningful information to improve student learning or teaching quality: note the complete lack of surprise in most of this week’s stories from around the nation.
ArizonaPandemic Year Test Scores Should Be “Viewed with Extreme Caution”
https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2021/08/30/the-results-are-in-standardized-test-scores-fell-during-pandemic-year/
GeorgiaNew State Math Standards Will Require Major Changes in Testing, Curriculum
https://bismarcktribune.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/georgia-gets-new-math-standards-but-debut-in-class-may-wait/article_58fd23b1-e026-5bf7-a21b-93195f366eb8.html
IllinoisHow Much Learning Is Really “Lost”? What Other Skills Did Students Gain?
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-forum-education-loss/covid-19-education-loss
IndianaAs Colleges Go Test Optional, State Imposes New SAT Exam Graduation Requirement
https://in.chalkbeat.org/2021/8/26/22643853/indiana-sat-required-graduation
MassachusettsDitch “Learning Loss” Panic; Overhaul Curriculum
https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/08/24/as-you-were-saying-ditch-learning-loss-panic-bps-should-redesign-curricula
MichiganWhat to Expect When State Releases Test Results
https://detroit.chalkbeat.org/2021/8/30/22648805/mstep-test-results-michigan-students-pandemic
MinnesotaState Tests Are One, Limited Measure of Student Success
https://news.yahoo.com/state-tests-one-limited-measurement-233300463.html
VirginiaDebate Over Value of Test Scores in Year with Low Participation, Virtual Learning
https://wtop.com/virginia/2021/08/sol-scores-plummet-across-northern-virginia-educators-say-comparisons-meaningless/
WyomingPandemic Year Test Score Decline is “Overwhelmingly Normal”
https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/standardized-test-results-remain-low-through-pandemic-but-normal/article_b34c3af9-9831-56e1-986f-e50d40aff2b8.html
University AdmissionAYear Like No Other: Test-Free at the U.C.
http://admitted.nacacnet.org/wordpress/index.php/2021/08/23/a-year-like-no-other-test-free-at-the-uc/
University Admission Expanding Advanced Placement Failed to Reduce Racial Disparities
https://washingtonmonthly.com/magazine/september-october-2021/aps-equity-face-plant/
InternationalFailing the Test: The Perversity of England’s Exams
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/failing-the-test-the-perversity-of-englands-exams-school-algorithm-gavin-williamson
International Indian Universities Reject Government Attempt to Increase Admissions Test Requirements
https://nation.com.pk/30-Aug-2021/unnecessary-testing
Worth ReadingPearson to Pay Million Dollar Fine for Understating 2018 Data Breach, Misleading Investors
https://marketbrief.edweek.org/marketplace-k-12/pearson-will-pay-1-million-fine-understating-2018-data-breach-misleading-investors/
Worth Reading Do Third Grade Test Scores Predict Anything Meaningful?
https://nepc.colorado.edu/blog/do-third-grade
Bob Schaeffer, Executive Director
FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing
office-(239) 395-6773 mobile-(239) 699-0468
web-https://fairtest.org.org
email-bobschaeffer@fairtest.org