AS STATEWIDE TESTING LOOMS, LAWMAKERS START TO RAISE QUESTIONS
Concerns being raised on both sides of aisle about who is being tested and how the results will be used
Among them is a bill that would prohibit the use of commercially developed tests below third grade. Another would require districts to inform parents of exactly which standardized tests are being administered each year to their children.
A third bill would delay using the new tests, aimed for launch in 2015, as a factor in the state’s new teacher evaluation system.
If approved, the bills would face long odds from ever being signed by Gov. Chris Christie, but Jasey said this weekend that she wanted to prompt further discussion as much as make any specific changes to the state’s testing regimen.
“We need a conversation about what we are doing,” said Jasey, a member of the Assembly education committee. “How much instructional time are we losing. Is there an overlap in the tests? We need to talk about this.” (Mooney/NJSpotlight)