Testing Resistance & Reform News: January 18 – 24, 2017

The pace of assessment reform news accelerates with legislatures back in session and annual school testing drawing near. Many states are beginning to use their new flexibility under ESSA as parents, students, teachers, supervisors, school board members and community activists push for major reductions in standardized exam mandates.

National States Balance Ambitious and Achievable in ESSA Plans
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/01/18/states-balance-ambitious-an…
National States Move with Caution in Pursuing Innovative Assessment Pilot Program
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/01/04/states-move-with-caution-in…
National Assessing Teacher Quality Under ESSA
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/01/04/assessing-quality-of-teachi…

Alabama Scores From a Single Test Should Not Define “Failing” Schools
http://www.al.com/news/montgomery/index.ssf/2017/01/ours_is_not_a_failin…

California Feds Insist State Administer Science Test Based on Old Standards
https://edsource.org/2017/u-s-education-department-rejects-californias-s…

Connecticut Student Rep Tells School Board There’s Too Much Testing
http://www.centralctcommunications.com/bristolpress/article_e263ecd4-e05…

Florida Replace Silly, ACT/SAT-Based Teacher Bonus Plan
http://www.ocala.com/opinion/20170116/floridas-silly-teacher-bonus-plan
Florida County School Superintendent Suspends All District-Level Tests
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/clay-county-schools-suspend-all-…
Florida Effects of Third Grade Retention on Diplomas and Student Outcomes
https://theoptoutfloridanetwork.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/a427e-jasper…

Maine School Officials Question Value of State Test
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/lewiston-auburn/0001/11/30/lewiston-offic…

Mississippi State-Mandated Testing Does Students More Harm Than Good
http://www.reflector-online.com/opinion/article_c028de88-de9d-11e6-a133-…
Mississippi Principal Loses License for Directing Staff to Cheat on Tests to Boost Scores
http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2017/01/19/clarksdale-principal-…

Montana Conflicting Claims About Test-Score Report Accuracy
http://missoulian.com/news/government-and-politics/arntzen-claims-test-s…

New York City’s Selective High School Admissions Exam Gets Overhaul
https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20170119/cobble-hill/specialized-high-s…

Ohio Thousands of Juniors at Risk of Not Graduating if Testing Requirements Unchanged
http://www.wtol.com/story/34292352/ohio-juniors-in-threat-of-graduating-…
Ohio Principal Asks: What’s the Purpose of So Much Testing
http://thecourier.com/local-news/2017/01/20/principal-questions-testing-…

Oregon State Failed at Standardized Testing Audit
http://registerguard.com/rg/opinion/35176535-78/state-failed-at-assessin…

Pennsylvania Less Emphasis on Test Scores In New School Rating System
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-pennsylvania-education-future-ready-p…

South Carolina State Mandated Testing Could Decrease
http://www.goupstate.com/news/20170117/state-required-testing-in-science…

Texas Standardized Exams Have Not Made Kids Better Prepared for College, Life
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Has-s…
Texas “Students Matter” Campaign Seeks Assessment, School Funding Reforms
http://www.roysecityheraldbanner.com/news/local_news/worthy-backs-texas-…

Virginia New School Quality Profiles Go Beyond Test Scores
http://wsls.com/2017/01/23/virginias-new-school-quality-profiles-show-te…

Washington How Much Do Public Schools Really Spend on Testing?
http://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/education-lab-iq-how-much-do-w…

West Virginia New Governor Calls for Overhaul of “A to F” School Grading System
http://wvmetronews.com/2017/01/18/state-leaders-might-follow-new-gov-jim…

College Admissions Immaculata University Drops ACT/SAT Requirements for Most Applicants
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2017/01/18/immaculata-drops-sa…

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