State Schools Chief Torlakson and State Board of Education President Kirst Issue Statement on Federal "Double Testing” Waiver Guidance
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and State Board of Education President Michael Kirst issued the following joint statement after federal education officials released guidance today on the "double testing” waiver announced in June:
"We're pleased the federal Department of Education shares our view that ‘double testing' is not in the best interests of students and schools during this transition to tests based on the new Common Core State Standards. We also agree that field tests of these new assessments are ‘tests of the tests,' and that results would not provide parents and schools with a valid and reliable measurement of student progress.
"We recognize that legislation awaiting action by the Governor would not meet the requirements outlined in today's guidance. Nevertheless, we continue to believe Assembly Bill 484 represents the right choice for California's schools.
"While this may put California technically and temporarily out of compliance with federal testing mandates, we're confident that we can work with our colleagues in Washington to effectively manage this transition and arrive at our shared goal: a modern assessment and accountability system that supports teaching and learning in the classroom and prepares every child for a bright future.”
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100