standardized testing

October 26, 2022

Why some schools saw their scores soar despite Covid — and others didn't

A look at individual districts reveals a nuanced picture of Smarter Balanced test results.

Carolyn Jones

November 18, 2021

University of California sticks with test-free admissions, won’t replace SAT and ACT with new standardized test

After deciding not to develop its own test to replace the SAT, UC considered using Smarter Balanced exams. That idea has also been rejected.

Michael Burke

College & Careers

November 9, 2021

SAT and ACT slip in priority among California high school students

California's public universities won't consider SAT and ACT scores, but some students still take tests for scholarships and placement.

Larry Gordon

Testing and Accountability

May 4, 2021

Hundreds of thousands of California students won’t take statewide standardized tests this spring

California released updated guidance for school districts deciding whether Smarter Balanced or a local assessment is their more viable option.

Sydney Johnson

Testing and Accountability

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

Testing and Accountability

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

Testing and Accountability

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

Testing and Accountability

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

Testing and Accountability

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

Testing and Accountability

February 8, 2021

New data shines light on student achievement progress — and gaps — in California and US

The data points to a widening achievement gap between white and Black students.

Carolyn Jones

Testing and Accountability

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

College Readiness

January 13, 2021

After dropping SAT and ACT, University of California urged not to add new admissions test

UC is being asked not to create its own test to replace the SAT. Students may instead be able to submit scores from 11th grade state exams.

Michael Burke

Podcast

December 21, 2020

Should students be tested for academic progress during a pandemic?

Carl speaks with Scott Marion, executive director of the Center for Assessment, about the challenges of standardized testing during, and after, the pandemic.