Calif. Senate approves dropping standardized tests

[Newsjock]

Source: Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The state Senate approved a bill Tuesday that would end traditional standardized testing of students in reading, math and social science, as the top federal education official threatened to withhold federal funds if the measure becomes law.

California schools have used the STAR tests to measure student learning and school performance since 1999.

But AB494 would replace the multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper tests next spring with new language and math tests designed to follow the Common Core curriculum standards. Students would use computers to take the new tests.

... "There is no reason to double-test students using outdated, ineffective standards disconnected from what's taught in the classroom," Jim Evans, a spokesman for Gov. Jerry Brown, said in an email indicating that the governor supports the pending legislation.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Calif-Senate-approves-dropping-standardized-tests-4803508.php

[frazzled]

1. Um, they're not dropping standardized testing ...

They're just changing the standardized test they're administering. Unless I just failed the reading comprehension section of that article.

[earthside]

2. Hard to believe it can get worse.

But it is.

Testing on the national curriculum with computers.

It is actually like hyper-standardization.

More money to corporations that sell computers, testing software, data collection, data analysis, test prep software, etc. -- and undoubtedly less money for teachers and for resources to actually teach kids how to think.

A prediction: more high school drop-outs; regression even on these phony tests; then calls for even more money for even more testing and a demand that teachers be held more accountable for the screwed-up system.

And, oh, ramp-up blaming the teachers for not teaching to the test adequately enough.

[proverbialwisdom]

3. Great points. nt