FairTest Testing Resistance & Reform News: January 25 - 31, 2017

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

Bob Schaeffer

With the 2017 K-12 school testing season soon to 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. 

National Why You Can Boycott Testing Without Fear of Federal Penalties for Your School
http://fairtest.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 States Educators, 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

Alabama Unfair Testing Skews "Failing" Schools Label
http://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2017/01/28/unfair-testing-skews-failing-schools-label/

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

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

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

Florida New 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

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

Massachusetts Bill 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
Massachusetts Parents Should Say "No" to State Tests
http://www.milforddailynews.com/opinion/20170128/skelton-parents-should-say-no-to-state-tests

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

New Mexico Bill 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 York Students 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

Oregon Analysis of State's Testing "Audit"
http://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2017/01/or-protecting-tests.html

Texas Test-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

Virginia Proposal 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

Bob Schaeffer, Public Education Director
FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing
office-   (239) 395-6773   fax-  (239) 395-6779
mobile- (239) 699-0468
web-  http://www.fairtest.org