Testing Resistance & Reform News: January 25 – 31, 2017

With the 2017 K-12 school testing season beginning soon in some jurisdictions, FairTest has released several new and updated fact sheets to help assessment reform activists organize resistance to standardized exam overuse and misuse. At the same time, many state legislatures are considering proposals to reduce testing overkill.

NationalWhy You Can Boycott Testing Without Fear of Federal Penalties for Your School
https://fairtest.orgdata.com.org/why-you-can-boycott-testing-without-fear

National Just Say “No” to Standardized Tests by Opting Out
http://www.fairtest.org/get-involved/opting-out

Multiple StatesEducators, Lawmakers Divided Over Graduation Tests
https://www.districtadministration.com/article/educators-lawmakers-divided-over-graduation-tests

Multiple States Exit Exam Update Shows States That Recently Eliminated Diploma Tests
http://www.fairtest.org/graduation-test-update-states-recently-eliminated

AlabamaUnfair Testing Skews “Failing” Schools Label
http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2017/01/28/unfair-testing-skews-failing-schools-label/

CaliforniaState Will Administer Alternative Science Assessment Despite Federal Opposition
https://edsource.org/2017/californias-new-science-tests-planned-despite-u-s-ruling/576229

ColoradoHigh Test Opt-Out Rate Disrupts State School Ratings
http://www.gjsentinel.com/news/articles/optouts-sink-school-ratings

DelawareLegislators Eye New Test Opt-Out Bill
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jan/30/lawmakers-again-eye-school-testing-opt-out-bill/

FloridaNew Bill Would Create Alternatives to High-Stakes Tests
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/florida-house-member-wants-to-offer-alternatives-to-high-stakes-high/2310646

Florida Key State Senator Submits Plan Offering Graduation Pathways for Students Failing Exit Exam
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/key-state-senator-files-bill-to-offer-alternative-pathways-to-high-school/2311397

LouisianaTesting Exemption Sought for Flood-Ravaged Schools
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/education/article_e046c4b2-e29b-11e6-a175-ef6797ed6106.html

MassachusettsBill Would Impose Three-Year Exam Moratorium, End Test-Based Teacher Evaluation
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/local_coverage/2017/01/bill_would_put_end_to_standardized_testing

Massachusetts State Test Fails in City Schools
http://www.bostonherald.com/opinion/op_ed/2017/01/maguire_mcas_test_flunks_at_city_schools

New JerseyDemographic Factors Strongly Predict Test Results
http://www.shu.edu/education/news/no-test-required-demographic-factors-predict-common-core-proficiency.cfm

New MexicoBill Would Limit Number of School Days Devoted to Standardized Testing
http://krqe.com/2017/01/26/bill-would-limit-school-districts-to-5-state-testing-days-per-year/

New YorkStudents Not Scores Workshop on Threats to Public Education
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/some-long-island-educators-warn-of-threats-to-public-education-1.13030287

New York Test Prep Firms Scrambling to Address Changes in NYC Selective High School Exam
http://www.amny.com/opinion/columnists/mark-chiusano/the-test-preparation-industry-is-scrambling-to-adapt-to-the-new-specialized-high-school-admissions-test-1.13011116

OregonAnalysis of State’s Testing “Audit”
http://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2017/01/or-protecting-tests.html

TexasTest-Based School Grades Make Low-Income Schools Look Worse
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/texas-grades-make-low-income-schools-look-worse-analysis-shows/9zayC4BtoLFmn3vo12JF8J/

Texas Hundreds of Districts Seek Repeal of “A to F” School Grading Scheme
http://www.wfaa.com/news/education/tasa-455-texas-school-districts-oppose-a-f-rating-system/393917760

VirginiaProposal Would Allow PSAT Scores to Substitute for State Exams
http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/news/proposal-advances-to-allow-high-psat-scores-as-substitute-for/article_f77de109-275a-56c1-9439-abe6da30cfbf.html

Worth Reading Focusing State Accountability Systems on High Achievers May Backfire
http://nepc.colorado.edu/newsletter/2017/01/focusing-state

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