standardized testing

April 8, 2021

Local assessments an option if Smarter Balanced tests ‘not viable,’ U.S. education officials affirm

California state officials have not yet outlined in detail what conditions must exist for a district to select an alternative assessment.

Sydney Johnson

April 2, 2021

Local assessments an option if statewide tests aren't viable during pandemic, California officials signal

California’s plan would still offer Smarter Balanced assessments in math and English language arts, the California Science Test, as well as tests for English learners.

Sydney Johnson

March 17, 2021

California could allow school districts to choose their own standardized tests this year

Groups opposing local assessments argue that the results will not be easily or accurately compared on a statewide level.

Sydney Johnson

February 24, 2021

California moves ahead to pursue flexibility waivers for standardized tests this year

The state board will consider if districts can use locally selected tests where Smarter Balanced assessments are not feasible.

Sydney Johnson

February 22, 2021

Schools must give standardized tests this year, Biden administration says

It’s been unclear whether the Biden administration would offer testing waivers as many school districts continue to operate with distance learning.

Sydney Johnson

January 14, 2021

California school officials push for standardized testing waiver amid Covid-19 spike

California education officials voted to shorten annual tests in math and reading after federal officials said waivers would not be available in 2021.

Sydney Johnson

November 5, 2020

Shorter exams will replace California’s annual Smarter Balanced tests

Federal education officials said they will not waive testing requirements for the 2020-21 school year. 

Sydney Johnson

November 4, 2020

California to consider shorter Smarter Balanced tests this spring

The State Board of Education will vote this week on whether to shorten the state’s annual standardized tests in math and English language arts.

Sydney Johnson

September 8, 2020

Many California high school seniors still want to take SAT/ACT even though they are optional at many colleges

Many testing sessions for the SAT and ACT were canceled in pandemic. Some remain scheduled for the fall, with social distancing and masks required.

Larry Gordon

May 21, 2020

In historic action, UC moves to drop SAT/ACT and develop a replacement exam for admissions

Ending the SAT/ACT as a requirement for freshman admission at UC will likely get attention nationally. Supporters of the move expect it will result in more ethnic and income diversity on campuses. Critics fear it will backfire.

Larry Gordon

May 11, 2020

UC president wants SAT/ACT mandate suspended through 2024 and new exam created

UC's Napolitano plan conflicts in part with faculty position and could be very influential nationally. UC regents are to vote on the issue next week.

Larry Gordon

April 20, 2020

University of California faculty leaders want admissions tests restored after health crisis

Requirements for SAT or ACT are suspended for a year and UC faculty votes to keep the exams in the future. Regents will have the final say.

Larry Gordon

April 16, 2020

SAT and ACT plan at-home college admissions exams for fall if crisis keeps schools closed

Exams will include high-tech proctoring to discourage cheating. UC temporarily has dropped the tests as admissions requirements.

Larry Gordon

April 1, 2020

University of California suspends SAT/ACT requirements for 2021 applicants

UC's one-year pause in testing does not mean a permanent end to SAT/ACT for admissions. CSU may follow. Neither university will require letter grades for high school courses this spring.

Larry Gordon

March 11, 2020

Coronavirus could delay standardized testing until later in school year for California students

School districts can't cancel testing without approval, but they can delay it to later in the school year.

Sydney Johnson