As the number of colleges and universities implementing ACT/SAT-optional admissions policies tops 1,000 (https://fairtest.orgdata.com.org/actsat-testoptional-list-tops-1000-colleges-univer), many more state policy makers are getting the message that standardized exams are not needed to assess the educational quality of K-12 students, teachers, or schools.
NationalWhat’s Going On with Testing Audits Under ESSA?
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2018/01/answering_essa_questions_testing_audits.html
National Please ReadThe Testing Charade
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/please-read-daniel-koretz-the-testing-charade_us_5a568cb5e4b088f20c39593c
AlabamaTest Scores Paint Incomplete Picture of Schools
http://www.dothaneagle.com/news/education/test-scores-paint-grim-incomplete-picture-of-schools/article_8d3e9638-f7ed-11e7-9df3-1f16581ce334.html
FloridaTime to Change State Testing System
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/2018/01/11/gradebook-podcast-does-florida-need-to-change-its-testing-system-with-bob-schaeffer-of-fairtest/
Florida Parents Push Back Against Test-Based “Accountability”
https://unitedforflchildren.com/research/high-stakes-testing/
IndianaEver-Changing School Grading System Does Not Help Educators
https://duboiscountyherald.com/b/lorey-surprised-by-possible-changes-to-school-grades
IowaSchools Are More Than a Test Score
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letter-schools-are-more-than-a-test-score-20180108
KansasState Pushes Back Against Feds on ESSA Plan
http://cjonline.com/news/state-government/education/2018-01-09/state-education-commissioner-addresses-federal-concerns
MassachusettsForum Will Explore “Beyond Standardized Tests”
https://renniecenter.wufoo.com/forms/k89lybd0r5dtnm/
MichiganLegislators Consider Eliminating Work Keys Exam
http://michiganradio.org/post/lawmakers-consider-eliminating-work-keys-exam-michigan-high-school-students
MississippiCut Testing to Allow More Time to Let Teachers Teach
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2018/01/15/student-mandatory-testing-its-time-let-teachers-teach/1029038001/
New JerseyIncoming Governor Reiterates Pledge to End PARCC, Exit Exam
https://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/new-jersey-will-stop-using-parcc-tests-gov-elect-murphy-says
New Jersey Test Scores Tell Us Little About What Makes a School Good
https://www.jewishlinknj.com/features/22778-what-makes-a-school-good
PennsylvaniaFamily Income Has Large Impact on Test Scores
http://www.timesleader.com/news/688811/not-an-excuse-but-yes-family-income-impacts-test-outcomes
TennesseeBill Would Place Moratorium on Use of Test Scores to Evaluate Teachers
http://www.lebanondemocrat.com/Education/2018/01/10/Bill-takes-aim-at-state-exam-impact-on-teachers-students
UtahOpt-Out Policy is Sticking Point in ESSA Plan
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900007208/opting-out-of-tests-a-sticking-point-in-utahs-plan-to-comply-with-federal-education-law.html
VirginiaOutgoing Governor Helped Eliminate Many Tests
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/mcauliffe-touts-education-initiatives-as-he-departs-office/2018/01/14/86ad0de6-ecc5-11e7-9f92-10a2203f6c8d_story.html
University AdmissionsMore Colleges Than Ever Are ACT/SAT Optional — That’s a Good Thing
https://theconversation.com/more-colleges-than-ever-have-test-optional-admissions-policies-and-thats-a-good-thing-89852
University Admissions FairTest Database of Test-Optional Colleges and Universities Tops 1,000
https://fairtest.orgdata.com.org/university/optional
University Transylvania College Students Benefit from Test-Optional Policy
http://www.kentucky.com/opinion/op-ed/article193296039.html
InternationalJapan Overhauls University Admissions Testing System
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/01/overhauling-japans-high-stakes-university-admission-system/550409/