Legislation would end standardized tests in California immediately
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State Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson discusses standardized test results at a news conference at Washington Accelerated Elementary in Pasadena in August 2012. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times / August 31, 2012) |
A deal in the works in the California Legislature would bring the current system of standardized tests to an immediate halt, clearing the way for a new way of assessing the state's 3.3 million students, officials said Wednesday.
Under a compromise, the state would move toward an early expansion of the new testing program.
The state, however, would not use these new exams to evaluate either students or teachers in the first year.
The goal is "not to look in the rear-view mirror, but to really move ahead," said state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
The approach, if approved by the Legislature and governor, would have immediate and profound ramifications for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the state's largest. Officials had wanted to move as quickly as possible to the new tests and the direction of state lawmakers could help make this possible.
"We are very excited," said L.A. Unified lobbyist Edgar Zazueta.
But another initiative of L.A. schools Supt. John Deasy -- using student standardized test scores as
