SEPTEMBER 9, 2015, 4:52 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2015, 12:08 AM
BY HANNAN ADELY
THE RECORD
High school juniors in New Jersey will be allowed to forgo controversial state tests in English language arts — exams many had already been skipping — if they take other high-level exams in the subject, the state education commissioner announced Wednesday.
The change comes amid a backlash from parents and educators who argue that too much testing is creating stress and taking up valuable teaching time. Many parents refused to let their children take state tests last spring, even though the state required them for all students in Grades 3 to 11 in math and English.
“We are cognizant of testing time and demands,” Education Commissioner David Hespe said Wednesday. “After lots of conversations, we think this is a smart move and the right way to reflect that students in 11th grade are taking challenging course work.”