Testing Resistance & Reform News: November 25 – December 1, 2020

Today, FairTest is launching the “National Call to Suspend High-Stakes Testing in Spring 2021.” We know from public opinion polls and other research that a vast majority of parents and teachers think it is ridiculous to claim that you can get meaningful results from a standardized test in the middle of a pandemic. If you agree, please tell public officials by signing the online petition

https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/suspend-high-stakes-student-testing

And urge your local school board, education associations, and community-based organizations to sign on, too.

FairTest promises to remain out-front for real assessment reform in 2021. Yourdonation will support these weekly updates andbuild capacity to lead more winning campaigns.
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Please make your largest possible Giving Tuesday testing reform donation today throughour secure websiteor mail a check to FairTest,196 Spring Street, Arlington, MA 02476.

NationalNo Need for Big Standardized Tests in Spring 2021
http://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2020/11/no-there-really-doesnt-need-to-be-big.html

CaliforniaState Seeks “Balance” for Spring 2021 Standardized Tess
https://thesungazette.com/article/education/2020/11/25/state-tries-to-find-balance-in-state-testing-this-spring/

FloridaDebate Builds Over Requiring State Tests During COVID-19 Surge
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2020/11/25/florida-holding-plans-make-all-students-come-school-testing/6401049002/

GeorgiaState Board of Education Proposes Further Cut in Test Score Impact on Student Grades
https://allongeorgia.com/georgia-education-k12/state-board-of-education-withdraws-10-eoc-proposal-posts-supt-woods-01-recommendation-for-public-comment/

IllinoisEliminate High-Stakes From All 2021 Tests
https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/11/29/21658735/standardized-tests-federal-government-covid-19-editorial

MassachusettsAdministering State Tests to Unprepared Students During Pandemic Makes No Sense
https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/11/27/students-unprepared-for-mcas-amid-pandemic-changes/

Massachusetts Suspend Graduation Testing Requirement
https://www.eagletribune.com/opinion/our-view-suspend-mcas-requirement-for-graduation/article_b965bd2a-2371-581e-a7cb-30b4170cef32.html

Massachusetts Education Officials Considering At-Home “Standardized” Exams
https://www.masslive.com/boston/2020/11/massachusetts-education-officials-considering-at-home-mcas-testing-in-the-spring-during-covid-pandemic.html

MinnesotaSchools Uncertain About Resuming Standardized Testing During Pandemic
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-schools-uncertain-about-standardized-tests-amid-the-pandemic/573186671/

New YorkParents, Civil Rights Groups Call for Suspension of Selective High School Admission Test
https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2020/11/gov-cuomo-please-call-off-shsat-for-at.html

PennsylvaniaQuestions About Standardized Exam Mandates During Pandemic
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/standardized-tests-raise-questions-in-time-of-pandemic/article_c9f407be-30f9-11eb-8f36-3f4b4df9e7b4.html

TexasBest to Cancel State Exam — At a Minimum, Stop Using Scores to Rate Schools
https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/editorials/article/Editorial-Best-to-cancel-STAAR-at-least-15758159.php

University AdmissionSAT and Similar Tests Under Scrutiny Around the Globe in Age of COVID
https://theconversation.com/university-admissions-tests-like-the-sat-are-under-scrutiny-especially-in-the-age-of-covid-19-142963

InternationalCOVID-19 Raised Questions About High-Stakes Exams in Many Countries
https://www.economist.com/international/2020/11/25/the-pandemic-has-prompted-questions-about-high-stakes-exams

Worth ReadingAssessments to Measure “COVID Slide” May Be Skewed: Should Schools Even Use Them?
https://www.educationdive.com/news/fall-assessments-to-gauge-covid-slide-may-be-skewed-can-school-districts/589709/

Worth Reading Nobody Should Be Wasting Time Figuring Out When to Administer Standardized Tests
https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2020/11/30/27676/

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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