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
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.org and 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
National Standardized 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
Arkansas State 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
Connecticut Stop 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/
Florida Bilingual 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/
Maine Board Supports Suspension of English Language Learner Tests
https://www.pressherald.com/2021/01/20/portland-school-board-backs-administration-proposal-to-suspend-ell-testing/
Michigan Top 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 York State 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
Tennessee Bill 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/
Washington Will 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 Admission SAT "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
1,380+ Accredited, 4-Year Colleges & Universities with ACT/SAT-Optional Testing Policies for Fall, 2022 Admissions