Testing Resistance & Reform News: December 23 – 29, 2020

Two resolutions for assessment reformers to welcome the new year!
Sign the “National Call to Suspend High-Stakes Testing” and encourage your friends to do so
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/suspend-high-stakes-student-testing

Make a tax deductible gift to FairTest to help win more testing reform victories in 2021
https://fairtest.org.org/donate

NationalNew Ed. Secretary’s First Task Is Curbing Standardized Exam Mandates
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/education-secretary-s-first-task-curb-standardized-tests-1.1540625

Multiple StatesMillions of English Learners Face In-Person Standardized Tests During Pandemic
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/millions-of-ell-students-face-prospect-of-in-person-federal-testing-during-covid-19/2020/12

GeorgiaSchools Gain Option to Zero Out State Tests’ Impact on Student Grades
https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/calhoun_times/georgia-schools-gain-option-to-gut-year-end-tests-amid-covid-19-pandemic/article_baa95d96-4534-11eb-827a-8bb9a8469380.html

IllinoisTeacher Unions Call on State to Waive Spring 2021 Standardized Tests
https://www.lawndalenews.com/2020/12/education-unions-call-on-isbe-to-postpone-standardized-testing/

New YorkTest-Score “Screens” Removed From Middle School Admissions
https://gothamist.com/news/new-admissions-changes-for-nyc-middle-high-schools-first-step-towards-diversity-advocates-say

OhioLegislators Wait on Biden Administration to Seek Federal Testing Waiver
https://www.journal-news.com/news/k-12-state-testing-still-on-for-spring-as-legislature-waits/DP55MFKVVZFKZAS2LHVOS5XYO4/

OklahomaWhy the Decision to Suspend Test-Based School Grades Did Not Go Far Enough
https://tulsaworld.com/opinion/editorial/tulhttps://fairtest.org.org/donatesa-world-editorial-why-the-state-school-board-suspended-the-states-a-f-report-cards/article_d51bff2a-4481-11eb-bea8-07b129a25e6a.html

TennesseeStudent Says Standardized Exams Measure Test-Taking Skills
https://heraldcourier.com/townnews/school/wade-witcher-letter-to-the-editor/article_88e03734-463e-11eb-879b-f34ee17b5bd5.html

TexasEducation Leaders Debate Administering State Exams Even with Stakes Suspended
https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/san-antonio/news/2020/12/24/education-leaders-debate-staar-testing-despite-high-stakes-being-removed

WashingtonAdministering Standardized Testing During a Pandemic Is Unwise
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/statewide-standardized-testing-during-a-pandemic-is-unwise/

University AdmissionSome Parents Don’t Believe Most Colleges Are Now ACT/SAT Optional
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/12/29/sat-act-score-test-optional-covid-college-application/3992269001/

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

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