New student testing in common core set to officially begin in 2015
Legislative action Thursday clears the way for California schools to begin statewide student testing based on the new common core curriculum beginning in the spring of 2015.
The move comes in the wake of Gov. Jerry Brown proposing in his revised May budget to set aside $1 billion next year to help local school boards buy new instructional materials, provide new training for teachers and fill technology needs in order to support and implement the new common core standards.
The new standards, which have been embraced by 45 other states, were actually adopted in California almost three years ago – but until now there was no money to help districts make the transition.
Thursday, however, the state Assembly approved AB 1186 by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, D-Concord, that will provide distribution of the $1 billion in common core money to districts based on average daily attendance.
Perhaps more important, however, was agreement in the state Senate to support the 2014-15 school year as the start for new student testing on common core curriculum.
“It is time that we stop testing students using antiquated ‘fill in the bubble’ forms, and begin to align our assessment methods with standards that will better prepare students for college and careers,” Bonilla said in a statement