Testing Resistance & Reform News: August 28 – September 3, 2019

As evidence of the many failures of test-driven school “reform” continues to mount, more parents, educators, and community leaders are organizing effective campaigns to roll back standardized exam misuse and overuse. Use these models to build victories in your home state.

NationalHow Much Are U.S. Students Tested Compared to Those In Top-Performing Countries?
http://ncee.org/2019/08/testing-out/

FloridaMore Proof That Test-Driven Grade Retention Is a Failure
http://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2019/09/third-grade-reading-retention-does-not.html

Florida The “Cons” of Standardized Testing
https://patch.com/florida/southtampa/cons-standardized-testing

GeorgiaCheating Scandal Documentary to Make Film Festival Debut
https://www.ajc.com/news/world/aps-cheating-scandal-documentary-make-atlanta-debut-bronzelens-film-fest/czUmzAesD5Pp7xzg0IZzpJ/

IndianaWhy Parents Say $45 Million State Test is “Worthless”
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2019/08/27/ilearn-indiana-standardized-test-exam-what-parents-educators-say/2134817001/

Indiana Lawmakers Want to Delay Penalties From New Test After Seeing Lower Scores
https://duboiscountyherald.com/b/state-gop-leaders-want-delay-on-ilearns-penalties

Indiana P.T. Barnum and School Assessments: Start Testing Politicians
http://thestatehousefile.com/commentary-p-t-barnum-school-testing/39860/

KansasStandardized Tests Are Not Making the Grade
https://www.blhsnews.com/opinion/2019/08/30/standardized-tests-are-not-making-the-grade/

MarylandSo Long to PARCC Testing
https://www.capitalgazette.com/opinion/our-say/ac-ce-our-say-20190829-20190831-2cxqjemenbd77oclsldwlfrhji-story.html

MassachusettsControversial Exam Question Hurt Scores of Some Black Students
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/08/30/controversial-mcas-question-hurt-scores-some-black-students-study-concludes/EmGOOQgiGVNpHvrp8W5ATK/story.html

MichiganMore Than Half of Third Graders Face Test-Based Retention
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/education/2019/08/29/michigan-third-graders-fail-reading/2086915001/

Minnesota“State of Our Students” Report Looks at More Than Test Results
https://www.nujournal.com/news/local-news/2019/08/30/state-issues-report-on-state-of-students/

MississippiEducators Say Ending History Test Would Mean Less Stress
https://www.wdam.com/2019/08/30/educators-say-ending-history-test-would-mean-less-stress/

New YorkPanel Recommends End to Test-Based Gifted-and-Talented Programs, Selective High Schools
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/education/fight-over-gifted-education-new-york-escalating-national-debate-over-n1048516

New York Get Rid of Racist School Testing
https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-letter-august-29-20190829-vmi6mhykdvhazhgndzfarn6nty-story.html

PennsylvaniaState Auditor General Wants to Get Rid of Standardized Testing Requirements
https://www.wpxi.com/news/back-to-school/pa-auditor-general-wants-to-get-rid-of-standardized-testing/979719304

UtahListen to Educators to Improve Schools
https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2019/8/31/20838572/guest-opinion-take-time-to-listen-to-the-education-experts

InternationalCanada Study Finds Requiring Standardized Tests for Teachers Does Not Improve Student Outcomes
https://www.sudbury.com/ontario-news/standardized-tests-for-teachers-dont-necessarily-improve-student-scores-report-1666265

InternationalFinland Works to Further Improve Its Highly Acclaimed Schools
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/08/30/what-finland-is-really-doing-improve-its-acclaimed-schools/

University AdmissionRhode Island School of Design Goes Test Optional
https://www.providencejournal.com/news/20190830/risd-to-drop-sat-act-as-admissions-requirements

University AdmissionColorado Colleges Drops ACT/SAT Requirements
https://www.coloradocollege.edu/newsevents/newsroom/standardized-tests-now-optional-for-admission-to-cc

Worth ReadingData Walls Demoralize Students
https://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/newsletter-shepard-082919

Bob Schaeffer, Public Education Director
FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing
office-(239) 395-6773mobile-(239) 699-0468
web-http://www.fairtest.org

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