Testing Resistance & Reform News: February 1 – 7, 2017

Check out all the assessment reform activity in state legislatures as national polling shows strong public support for reducing testing overkill

NationalPoll Data Show Most Americans Do Not Think Standardized Tests Are Good Measure of Students or Schools
http://www.publicschooloptions.org/splash.html

http://www.publicschooloptions.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/National-PSO-11-28-16-Public-Update.pdf

ColoradoEducator Ratings Don’t Account for Student Poverty
http://gazette.com/colorado-educator-evaluations-do-not-account-for-disadvantaged-school-populations/article/1596168

ConnecticutFailed Smarter Balanced Common Core Tests Hurt Students and Schools
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Wendy-Lecker-Failed-common-core-tests-punish-10906971.php

FloridaGovernor Seeks Repeal of Test-Based Teacher Bonus Program
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/os-best-brightest-teacher-bonuses-scott-20170131-story.html

Florida Challenge to Third Grade Retention Law Heads Back to Court
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/challenge-of-floridas-third-grade-retention-law-heads-back-to-court/2312016

Florida New Certification Test by Pearson Flunks Many Qualified Teachers
http://www.abcactionnews.com/longform/teachers-failing-state-certification-test-at-alarming-rates

LouisianaState Ed Super Shows New Flexibility About Tests’ Role in School Grades
http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2017/02/louisiana_report_card.html

MassachusettsNew Opt-Out Legislative Proposal
http://www.citizensforpublicschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/MCAS-opt-out-bill.pdf

Massachusetts Public Meeting on New Accountability Standards Under ESSA
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/02/grading_the_schools_new_standa.html

MichiganLegislature Moves Toward Repealing “Failing” Schools Law
http://michiganradio.org/post/michigan-lawmakers-move-forward-repealing-failing-schools-law

New MexicoEd Secretary Wants to Reduce Test Weight in Teacher Evaluation
http://nmpolitics.net/index/2017/01/skandera-wants-to-reduce-weight-of-test-scores-on-teacher-evals/

New Mexico Legislation Calls for Exploring ESSA Alternative Assessment Grant Application
https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/17%20Regular/memorials/senate/SJM001.html

New YorkWhy You Should Continue to Opt Out in 2017 Fact Sheet
http://www.nysape.org/2017-opt-out-fact-sheet.html

OhioConcerns About Ever-Changing Graduation Testing Requirements
http://www.chillicothegazette.com/story/news/local/2017/02/05/new-grad-rules-raising-local-concerns-ross-county-schools-education/97438958/

OklahomaLawmaker Targets Third Grade Reading Promotion Test
http://kfor.com/2017/02/02/oklahoma-lawmaker-proposes-changes-to-reading-sufficiency-act/

PennsylvaniaBill Would Ease Grad Test Requirement for Vocational and Career Ed Students
http://www.readingeagle.com/ap/article/house-bill-would-ease-graduation-criteria-for-vocational-students

South CarolinaESSA Town Hall Supports Shift Away From High-Stakes Testing
http://www.wjcl.com/article/town-hall-to-improve-education-in-beaufort-county/8684646

Texas“Teaching Over Testing” Act Filed to Reduce Exam Volume and Stakes
http://www.kvue.com/news/education/hb1333-standardized-testing-reform-bill-filed/395524912

West VirginiaNew Governor Seeks Different Course for Testing, Accountability
http://www.wvgazettemail.com/news-education/20170204/justice-pursuing-a-different-course-in-education

WisconsinState Test Scores Do Not Measure School Success
http://www.lakelandtimes.com/main.asp?SectionID=9&SubSectionID=9&ArticleID=33813

University AdmissionACT/SAT Tests Outdated and Inaccurate
http://www.sonomastatestar.com/opinion/2017/2/2/standardized-testing-outdated-and-inaccurate

InternationalIsraeli University Will Base Admission on Course Grades Rather than Test Scores
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/business/1.769028

Worth ReadingIs Standardized Testing a Help or a Hindrance
http://www.postbulletin.com/life/lifestyles/marcus-yao-is-standardized-testing-a-help-or-a-hindrance/article_ef439a68-7128-51b8-b964-c7ebca0bbf33.html

Worth Reading School Climate Really Does Affect Academic Success
https://thejournal.com/articles/2017/02/06/school-climate-really-does-affect-academics.aspx

Tags: