standardized testing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.