Parents, educators nationwide object to new Common Core assessments (links)
Tests linked to new Common Core State Standards made headlines across the nation last week.
Starting this spring students will take new and more rigorous exams aligned with Common Core State Standards, adopted by Oregon in 2010. The exams have sparked a debate about standardized testing and parent's right to opt their student out.
Here are a few headlines we found:
Principal: 'There comes a time when rules must be broken.... That time is now.'- The Washington Post published a submission by an award-winning high school principal that called for parents to opt their children out of taking standardized tests.
About 100,000 Ohio kids have tried the new Common Core exams this week, with mixed reviews- Last week Ohio became the first state to give students a Common Core test. Ohio administers the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers or PARCC exam, and districts reported some technical issues. Some students took the tests with pencil and paper.
Portland teachers union resolution objects to new Smarter Balanced test- The Portland Association of Teachers approved a resolution opposing plans to conduct the Smarter Balanced exam in Oregon schools this spring. The resolution followed a demonstration at a school board meeting that encouraged parents to opt out.
NJEA launches ad campaign against PARCC, Common Core- The New Jersey Education Association released four videos criticizing standardized tests. The campaign will run on network television in New York and Philadelphia and on cable networks in New Jersey.
States start responding to backlash against standardized testing in public schools- The Associated Press has coverage of objections in multiple states, including Maryland and Pennsylvania.
If you'd like to check out the Smarter Balanced assessment yourself, try our sample test.
--Laura Frazier
