Testing Resistance & Reform News: December 28, 2016 – January 3, 2017

Happy New Year! Assessment reformers across the U.S. are gearing up for winning campaigns in 2017 around three central goals:

Fewer standardized exams, leaving additional time for teaching and learning
No high-stakes (mis)uses of test results to make major decisions about students, educators, schools or districts
More space to create performance-based assessments that tap a broader, deeper range of knowledge and skills

FairTest looks forward to working with you in organizing for more victories during the coming year. Stay tuned to these weekly updates for news, tools and strategies that can help make your grassroots efforts even more effective. Feel free to call on us for assistance at any time.

Alabama Test Scores Reflect Student Body Poverty
http://www.decaturdaily.com/news/morgan_county/decatur/school-report-car…

Florida Teacher Bonuses Based on ACT/SAT Scores Could Face Overhaul
http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2016/12/28/best-and-brightest-coul…
Florida Bill Filed to Clarify Exemptions to Test-Based, Third Grade Retention
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/florida-lawmaker-files-bill-to-c…

Indiana Teacher Bonus Scheme Fails Tests of Logic, Fairness
http://www.jconline.com/story/opinion/readers/2016/12/28/op-ed-indiana-f…
Indiana State Accountability Rating System Needs an Overhaul
http://www.tribstar.com/opinion/columns/kelly-hawes-state-s-accountabili…

Maryland Teachers Union, Legislative Allies Seek to Limit Testing Time
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-school-testing-…

Massachusetts No Need for High-Stakes History Exam
http://www.bostonherald.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/2017/01/jan_3_…

Montana Every Student Succeeds Act State Plan Looks at More Than Scores
http://www.greatfallstribune.com/story/news/local/2016/12/29/juneau-subm…

Nevada Students Agree School Shouldn’t Stress Tests Over Substance
https://lasvegassun.com/news/2016/dec/28/schools-shouldnt-stress-tests-o…

New Jersey Requiring PARCC Test for Graduation Still a Bad Idea
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/16/02/28/op-ed-making-parcc-a-graduat…

New Mexico Proposed Panel Will Examine New Ways to Evaluate Students
https://www.abqjournal.com/917991/new-gauge-sought-for-evaluating-studen…

Tennessee Accountability System Must Account for School Challenges
http://franklinhomepage.com/snowden-accountability-standards-must-acknow…

Texas More Districts Oppose “A to F” School Grading Scheme
http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/news/gisd-against-new-school-accounta…

Virginia Performance-Based Assessments Replace Some Standardized Tests
http://www.dailyprogress.com/greenenews/news/what-has-replaced-sol-tests…

College Admissions University of Ozark Drops ACT/SAT Requirement After Study Shows Grades Better Predictor
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/dec/29/act-sat-optional-at-clark…

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