Governor’s student testing commission sets up three public forums
JANUARY 21, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015, 1:20 AM
BY HANNAN ADELY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
The governor’s study commission on student testing will hold three forums next week to get public feedback about the use and impact of high-stakes tests in the classroom.
The nine-member commission, established by Governor Christie in November, will review and make recommendations about the quality and efficiency of testing. It will look at the volume, frequency and impact of tests, including those given for college admissions, for college credit and for student knowledge of academic standards.
The commission also will make recommendations about the use of the academic standards known as Common Core, which New Jersey adopted in 2010. The standards have been taken up by dozens of states and are widely viewed as more rigorous than what New Jersey had in place.
Many parents and educators say they support the standards but criticize the new tests that go along with them. They argue that the tests, to be given online starting in the spring, are too long and stressful.
The public is invited to provide comment at these sessions:
* Camden County College, 200 College Drive, Gloucester Township, 10 a.m. Tuesday.
* Franklin Williams Middle School (School 7) auditorium, 222 Laidlaw Ave., Jersey City, 4 p.m. Jan. 28.
* At Jackson Liberty High School Auditorium, 125 N. Hope Chapel Road, Jackson Township, 6 p.m. Jan. 29
Anyone interested in testifying must register by calling 609-984-6024 or online at state.nj.us/education/studycommission.