Disputes between states and the U.S. Department of Education over Every Student Succeeds Act testing and score reporting requirements under state are accelerating. Assessment reformers are seeking inclusion of provisions that fulfill the new law’s promised flexibility without federal micromanagement. In jurisdictions still working on compliance plans, there are still opportunities to press for fewer standardized exams and a reduction of high-stakes.
FloridaSenator Questions Inconsistent Use of Scores From Flawed Exam
http://weartv.com/news/local/florida-senator-questions-handling-of-algebra-exam
Florida Reliance on Flawed Test Blocks Teacher Hiring
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/35990352/rigorous-state-test-delays-hiring-teachers-statewide
IndianaChange in Federal Grad Rate Calculation May Alter School Grades
http://fox59.com/2017/07/31/change-in-federal-graduation-rate-could-impact-a-f-grades-of-indiana-schools/
MassachusettsIt’s Time for a Moratorium on High-Stakes Standardized Tests
http://www.masslive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/07/its_time_for_a_high-stakes_tes.html
MichiganState Scraps “A to F” School Grades, Moves to Dashboard System
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/state_edwatch/2017/07/without_legislative_action_michigan_scraps_a-f_grading_system.html
Michigan Forum Debates Having Students Skip Standardized Tests to Protest School Closings
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2017/07/31/detroit-freedom-schools-standardized-tests/104180446/
New JerseyWhat Do PARCC Scores Really Mean?
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/07/27/putting-the-latest-parcc-results-in-perspective/
New Jersey State Seeks ESSA Waiver From 8th Grade Math Test Requirement
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/state_edwatch/2017/07/after_devos_feedback_nj_asks_for_testing_waiver_from_essa.html
New MexicoEducators Want PARCC Scores Removed From Teacher Evaluations, School Grades
http://www.currentargus.com/story/news/education/2017/07/29/education-officials-want-parcc-removed-evaluations-school-grades/521456001/
New YorkState Geometry Test to be Rescored Due to Flawed Question
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/state-regents-geometry-exam-question-to-be-rescored-1.13822787
North CarolinaStandardized Testing Makes Teaching Harder Than It Should Be
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20170729/column-3-things-that-make-teaching-school-harder-than-it-should-be
OhioOutcry Over Testing Requirements Forces Changes in State ESSA Plan
https://www.the74million.org/article/ohios-essa-reboot-state-school-leaders-make-big-pivot-after-outcry-over-testing-requirements
Ohio Superintendent Calls for Broader Assessment Reforms
http://www.dailycall.com/opinion/columns/26272/not-a-great-first-step-at-all
OklahomaTest-Based School Rankings Are Misleading
https://nondoc.com/2017/07/27/school-rankings-shocking-headlines/
Oklahoma Fired Testing Company Tries to Get Back Into the Game
http://www.tulsaworld.com/homepagelatest/oklahoma-s-fired-state-testing-company-trying-to-get-back/article_744f4561-2be4-5929-bb39-43f5fe4b5b6b.html
Rhode IslandSchools Chief Claims Emphasis is on Teaching Not Testing
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20170728/ri-education-chief-emphasizes-return-to-teaching-not-testing
South CarolinaHalf of School Districts Ignore State’s Computer Testing Law
http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/article164431772.html
TexasCriticisms of Test-Based State School Accountability System
http://northdallasgazette.com/2017/07/27/statewide-accountability-measures-modify-district-assessment/
West VirginiaProposed Accountability System Would Replace “A to F” School Grades
http://wvmetronews.com/2017/07/31/new-accountability-system-assessments-key-parts-of-west-virginia-education-proposal/
WyomingLet Teachers, Students Break Away From Test-Driven Curriculum
http://trib.com/opinion/letters/parkin-let-students-and-teacher-do-what-works-for-them/article_81923940-c0e2-549e-9ce3-a97b3f7edae8.html
UniversityDoes the SAT Still Matter if Nearly 1,000 Schools Are Test Optional?
http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/college-game-plan/does-sat-still-matter-if-nearly-1-000-colleges-are-n786046
University Dominican College Joins Growing National Trend by Dropping ACT/SAT Admissions Exam Requirement
http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2017/07/27/dominican-college-joins-a-growing-national-trend-becomes-test-optional/
InternationalStandardized Tests Are Killing Creativity in Australian Schools
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion/comment-standarsided-tests-are-killing-creativity-in-our-schools/news-story/00630e2eb374b654a5964e790ee2e97c
Worth ReadingThe Collateral Damage of Testing Pressures
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/07/the-collateral-damage-of-testing-pressure/534717/
FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing
web-http://www.fairtest.org