Testing Resistance & Reform News: June 29 - July 5, 2016

National Lawmakers Press Ed. Secretary Over Every Student Succeeds Act Draft Regulations
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2016/06/senate_essa_oversight_hearing_school_ratings_timeline.html
National The Parts of ESSA Regulations That Most Concern Members of Congress
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2016/07/ESSA_draft_accountability_concerns_congress.html
National Keep the Pressure on Washington By Speaking Out Against Test-and-Punish Proposals
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-congress-department-must-drop-proposed-accountability-regulations

National How Will ESSA's Innovative Assessment Pilot Program Work?
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2016/06/how_will_essas_innovative_asse.htm

Alaska State Drops Last Remaining Graduation Testing Requirement
http://www.adn.com/alaska-news/education/2016/06/30/students-no-longer-need-national-tests-to-graduate/

California Seeking to Redefine "Accountability" in ESSA Era
http://laschoolreport.com/california-in-the-age-of-essa-can-schools-be-held-accountable-without-real-consequences/

Connecticut The Outrageous Costs of Smarter Balanced Testing
http://ctviewpoints.org/2016/06/29/cost-of-sbac-testing-in-connecticut-is-unconscionable-unnecessary/

Florida Portfolios Put Assessment Where It Belongs . . . With Classroom Teachers
https://theoptoutfloridanetwork.wordpress.com/2016/06/21/portfolios-put-assessment-where-it-belongs-with-teachers/

Illinois Assessment Reformers Push Back Against Plan to Use Test Scores in Chicago Teacher Ratings
http://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/parcc-count-cps-teacher-school-ratings/

Indiana Scores From Pearson Tests Delayed Again
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/ISTEP-scores-again-delayed-13896176

Iowa Test Score Rankings Mask Quality Schools
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/education/k-12-education/standardized-test-score-rankings-mask-quality-schools-cedar-rapids-officials-say-20160703

Kentucky Schools Expect Less Testing Will Promote More Learning
http://www.wlky.com/news/jcps-hoping-to-reduce-assessments-increase-achievement-during-school-year/40264076

Massachusetts State Senate Votes to End Mandate Tying Educator Evaluation to Student Test Scores
http://aftma.net/2016/06/ma-senate-approves-amendment-eliminate-ddm-mandate-2/
Massachusetts Don't Use Test Scores To Judge Teacher Quality
https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/columns/2016/06/30/diane-ravitch-don-use-test-scores-judge-teacher-quality/x8YQTRHOJQIKNgkIhOakCO/story.html
Massachusetts Boston Weighs Changes to Admissions Rules for Exam Schools
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/07/01/boston-explores-changes-exam-school-admissions-foster-greater-diversity/bFOSHWh3kjNcbmvPcCnyhO/story.html

Texas Moms Share Why They Opt Their Children Out of State Tests
http://www.pleasantonexpress.com/news/2016-06-29/Front_Page/Moms_share_why_they_opt_children_out_of_STAAR_001.html
Texas Survey Shows Most Unhappy with State Exams
http://kxan.com/2016/06/30/survey-most-unhappy-with-staar-exam/

Washington Promote Learning Over Mandated Testing
http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/article87117352.html