Testing Resistance & Reform News: January 20- 26, 2021

Momentum is building to cancel high-stakes standardized exams scheduled for this spring. Both Michigan and New York have begun the process of seeking federal testing waivers, with the latter explicitly admitting that exams “cannot be safely, equitably and fairly administered to all students.” Here’s what you can do to increase the pressure

– Join the more than 700 parents, educators, community activists and policy makers registered for FairTest’s Tuesday, January 26 “Suspend High Stakes Testing” web town hall with Congressman Jamaal Bowman
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FCKpfQKmSqmXKMo-KKH3Og
–After the live webinar, a link to the recording and supporting material will be posted at
https://www.fairtest.organd on FairTest’s Facebook
– Remember to add your name and that of your organization to the nearly 7,000 signers of the National Call to Suspend High-Stakes Testing
https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/suspend-high-stakes-student-testing

NationalStandardized Exam Mandates May Force English Learners Back to Schools Closed Due to COVID Health Risks
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2021/01/20/english-learners-could-forced-take-person-tests-despite-covid/4183818001/

National Latino Groups Call on Pres. Biden to Postpone Testing English Language Requirements
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/latino-groups-ask-biden-team-push-back-english-language-testing-n1254024

ArkansasState Issues School Report Cards Without Flawed Test Component
https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2021/01/19/state-issues-abbreviated-school-report-cards-thankfully-missing-flawed-test-component-for-one-year-only

ConnecticutStop the Spring Tests: Letter to Incoming Secretary of Education From a Teacher
https://reallearningct.com/2021/01/17/letter-from-a-teacher-to-the-incoming-secretary-of-education/

FloridaBilingual Advocacy Groups Seek Delay of In-Person English Proficiency Exam
https://miami.cbslocal.com/2021/01/20/advocates-ask-states-education-commissioner-to-delay-english-proficiency-exam/

MaineBoard Supports Suspension of English Language Learner Tests
https://www.pressherald.com/2021/01/20/portland-school-board-backs-administration-proposal-to-suspend-ell-testing/

MichiganTop State Education Leader Calls for Suspending Standardized Exam Requirement
https://detroit.chalkbeat.org/2021/1/25/22249444/michigans-top-education-leader-calls-for-canceling-state-exam-requirement

New YorkState Will Seek Federal Testing Waiver Because Exams Cannot Be Administered Safely, Equitably and Fairly
https://buffalonews.com/news/local/education/state-seeking-to-cancel-3-8-assessments-regents-exams/article_b02fd1bc-5f3b-11eb-944e-9f6501fb80c7.html

New York City Forged Ahead with Gifted Student Tests Despite Warning It Could Widen Racial Gaps
https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/1/22/22245417/nyc-gifted-testing-could-widen-disparities

New York Attempt to Administer Selective High School Admissions Test in a Pandemic Is a Major Challenge
https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/1/20/22241641/nyc-middle-school-administer-shsat-covid

TennesseeBill to Hold Educators Harmless for Test Scores Advances Amidst Push to Suspend All Exams
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2021/01/21/bill-hold-educators-harmless-student-assessments-mixed-bag-reaction-education/4219914001/

WashingtonWill Standardized Testing Survive the Pandemic?
https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/will-standardized-testing-in-washington-schools-survive-the-pandemic/

Washington Pause in Standardized Exams Offers Opportunity to Rethink Approach
https://www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/editorials/pause-in-standardized-testing-is-an-opportunity-to-rethink-approach/article_a507d713-2a85-565e-bc82-cd2b20fec11b.html

University AdmissionSAT “Essay” and Subject Exams Will Be Eliminated
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2021/01/19/sat-eliminates-optional-essay-subject-tests-covid-19-college-board/4220933001/

University Admission Will Testing Cutbacks Weaken the College Board
https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2021/01/25/changes-sat-prompt-discussion-future-college-board

University Admission Colorado Legislature Considers Proposal for Test-Optional Policy at State Campuses
https://www.highereddive.com/news/bill-would-make-colorados-test-optional-policies-permanent/593845/

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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