Responding to grassroots pressure from parents, educators, and community leaders more state policymakers are agreeing to reduce the time students are required to spend taking superfluous standardized exams. But there’s still a long way to go to achieve meaningful assessment reform in most jurisditions. Keep the pressure on over the summer!
AlabamaFeds Reject State Plan to Ditch ACT Aspire Test
http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/federal_education_officials_re.html
CaliforniaRace and Gender Score Gaps Persist
https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2017/06/09/data-exclusive-75-percent-of-black-california-boys-dont-meet-state-reading-standards/
FloridaAlgebra I Test Keeps Thousands From Graduating
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/algebra-i-test-stops-thousands-of-florida-seniors-from-graduation/2326587
GeorgiaUpcoming Film “Wrong Answer” Will Focus on Atlanta Test-Cheating Scandal
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/ryan-coogler-michael-b-jordan-reuniting-wrong-answer-new-regency-plan-b-1011248
MaineWant to Improve Schools? Listen to Teachers
https://bangordailynews.com/2017/06/06/opinion/contributors/want-to-improve-schools-listen-to-teachers/?ref=mostReadBoxOpinion
Maine Skepticism Over “Proficiency-Based” Diplomas
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/06/12/skepticism-other-hurdles-complicate-switch-to-proficiency-based-learning/
New JerseyOpt Out Rate Remains High
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/sections/education/articles/hundreds-opted-out-of-parcc-testing-at-bridgewate
New MexicoState Reduces Testing Time
https://www.abqjournal.com/1013852/nm-ped-reducing-parcc-test-time-further.html
New Mexico Amid ESSA Plan Backlash, Controversial State Education Secretary Quits
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/state_edwatch/2017/06/hanna_skandera_new_mexicos_hard-charging.html
New Mexico Departing Ed Secretary’s Policies Deserve an “F”
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/local_columns/departing-education-secretary-gets-an-f/article_ee7b528a-8b41-58d4-b90b-a2be3bc9f562.html
New YorkParents, Advocates and Educators, Slam New State Accountability Plan
https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2017/06/another-squandered-opportunity-parents.html
New York State ESSA Plan Still Too Focused on Testing
http://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/2017/06/06/new-yorks-essa-plan-leads-back-common-core-testing-view/371892001/
New York State Ed Officials Vote to Reduce Testing Time
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/12/nyregion/new-york-to-shorten-standardized-tests-in-elementary-and-middle-schools.html
OhioKindergarten Testing Policies Constitute Child Abuse
https://dianeravitch.net/2017/06/12/teacher-reports-on-child-abuse-in-kindergarten-in-ohio/
Ohio State Superintendent Wants to Change School Testing Again
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/state-superintendent-change-school-tests-again/fd6nGHvea90s54OgZCqpDK/
Rhode Island12 Things to Know About the State’s New ESSA Plan
http://wpri.com/2017/06/08/12-things-to-know-about-rhode-islands-new-plan-for-improving-schools/
TennesseeCounty Seeks Rollback in State Testing Mandates
http://www.thedailytimes.com/news/blount-county-working-on-resolution-objecting-to-state-education-mandates/article_0a72c10e-64d8-5303-96bb-1d1785572510.html
Tennessee Final Grades Delayed for Thousands of Students Due to Test Scoring Problems
http://wjhl.com/2017/06/06/thousands-of-students-waiting-on-final-grades-due-to-tn-ready-test-results-delay/
TexasMixed Reviews for Proposed State Accountability System Changes
http://www.wcmessenger.com/2017/news/working-toward-passing-grade-schools-give-mixed-reviews-on-accountability-system/
Texas Governor Signs Law Extending Graduation Testing Options for Two More Years
http://www.statesman.com/news/state–regional-govt–politics/staar-graduation-requirements-loosened-until-2019/47lWzCISRe99UYYbAAXkDO/
WashingtonLegislative Fight Over Exit Exam Could Delay Diplomas for Thousands
http://www.kxly.com/news/legislative-tie-up-over-biology-exam-could-delay-wa-diplomas/530580827
Washington Schools Chief Seeks Grad Testing Moratorium Compromise
http://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/washington-schools-chief-seeks-compromise-on-high-school-testing-requirements/
Washington Educators Say “No” to Exit Exams
https://iamaneducator.com/2017/06/11/graduation-not-incarceration-no-to-exit-exams-in-washington/
InternationalScottish Teachers Threaten Boycott Over Testing Plan
http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/15337655.Teachers_threaten_boycott_over_controversial_testing_plan/
University AdmissionHanover College Adopts Test-Optional Policy
http://953wiki.com/local-article/hanover-college-adopts-test-optional-admission-policy/
University Admission Lost ACT Scores Frustrate Students
http://www.latimes.com/local/education/la-essential-education-updates-southern-lost-act-tests-1496783532-htmlstory.html
Worth ReadingTeacher Accountability Should Not Depend on Test Scores
http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/work_in_progress/2017/06/teacher_accountability_should_.html