Education policy
Gov. Jerry Brown shakes hands with lawmakers after his State of the State address in the Capitol on Wednesday. Brown’s criticism of the growing emphasis on standardized tests has found a receptive audience among California teachers. (Rich Pedroncelli / European Pressphoto Agency / January 18, 2012)
January 20, 2012

Deviating sharply from education reform policies championed by President Obama, California Gov. Jerry Brown is calling for limits on standardized testing and reduced roles for federal and state government in local schools.

Brown's positions, outlined in Wednesday's State of the State address, align closely with the state's two major teachers unions, but also embody Brown's independent streak.

The governor's call for a reduction in standardized testing comes at a time when such tests are gaining influence across the nation, due in part to heavy federal support. Most