A state commission set up to review student testing in public schools has recommended that both the state and local school districts review just how much testing they do, and if all of it is really necessary.
The interim report from the Study
Commission on the Use of Student Assessments in New Jersey said there
is definitely a perception that students are being over-tested.
It says that New Jersey has taken a more conservative approach so far by only testing Language Arts, math, and in a few grades, science. But, it notes that local districts also have their own tests.
It says that New Jersey has taken a more conservative approach so far by only testing Language Arts, math, and in a few grades, science. But, it notes that local districts also have their own tests.
In its recommendations, the
commission said the state Department of Education should communicate
clearly and effectively its vision for education improvement and how
student assessments should be used to accomplish that vision. It said
the state should conduct a study to learn more about which tests are
being used locally, how much time is spend on them, and what impact
testing has on instructional time.
It also recommends that districts
set their own vision for district testing and do a thorough inventory
and analysis to determine the minimum testing necessary for diagnostic,
instructional and accountability purposes. Districts should also engage
parents in the conversation about testing and its purpose.
The commission will hold three
public hearing on state testing next week at 10 a.m. Jan. 27 at Camden
County College in Blackwood, 4 p.m. Jan. 28 in Jersey City and 6 p.m.
Jan. 29 in Jackson.
Steve Wollmer, Director of
Communications for the New Jersey Education Association said in an email
that the commission’s final recommendations should reflect what parents
and educators know is best for students.
“Right now, the parent revolt
against PARCC is mushrooming, so the commission will need to listen
carefully as it prepares its recommendations.” he said.
Janellen Duffy, spokeswoman for
the education advocacy group JerseyCAN, said in an email they agree with
the report's recommendations for both the state and local districts to
streamline testing and to do so quickly.
“No one is in favor of excessive
testing for students,” she said. “ We should be focused on honest
assessments that really measure what students are learning, which the
PARCC test does, and take a hard look at any other tests that are no
longer needed given the design of PARCC.”
Additional information about the Study Commission and the public testimony sessions can be found at
www.state.nj.us/education/studycommission
www.state.nj.us/education/studycommission
People interested in testifying
at the public hearings are asked to pre-register online on the Study
Commission's website or by calling 609-984-6024. The Study Commission
recommends that testimony be limited to five minutes per person.
Individuals who want to attend but not testify also are asked to
pre-register.
Contact Diane D'Amico:
609-272-7241
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