Testing and Assessments

April 9, 2020

Research tells us standardized admissions tests benefit under-represented students

ACT and SAT are better measures of college readiness than state tests, proponents say.

Wayne Camara and Michelle Croft

March 17, 2020

Expect California schools to remain closed until summer, governor says

California also will ask the federal government to waive the required standardized tests if and when schools resume session this year.

John Fensterwald

February 21, 2020

Why test scores matter

Test scores are only one measure of a student, but they can be used to dispel stereotypes and promote higher achievement, superintendent says.

Frank Donavan

February 7, 2020

Less than a third of California students met or exceeded standards on new science test

The results are the first set of scores for a new test aligned with California’s new science standards.

Sydney Johnson

December 19, 2019

College admissions tests are a poor indicator of college readiness

Removing tests from admissions process would allow UC to recruit and educate California’s best and brightest from all backgrounds.

Mo Hyman

December 16, 2019

Don't blame tests for differences in educational quality and access

Colleges would miss out on valuable information about student readiness if they eliminate test scores from the admissions process.

Marten Roorda

December 4, 2019

How California measures academic success is changing at some of the state’s largest districts

California’s CORE districts have the option of publishing growth data. Los Angeles will join Fresno, Long Beach and Oakland in doing so.

Michael Burke

December 3, 2019

U.S. math scores remain flat on international test of 15-year-olds

U.S. math scores have not budged significantly since 2003 on the worldwide assessment.

Sydney Johnson

November 25, 2019

Test-optional admissions won't level the college admissions playing field

High SAT and ACT scores still provide an edge even if colleges don't require them.

Yoon Choi

October 30, 2019

Reading scores drop in California, most states in much-watched national test

Nationwide scores on NAEP stalled for a decade in 4th and 8th grade while California's slowly rose – latest dip in 8th grade reading notwithstanding

John Fensterwald And Daniel J. Willis

October 11, 2019

For better insights into California's new test results, look at achievement over time

Analytical tools that are available but not used can help schools better understand how to improve student performance.

David Wakelyn

June 6, 2019

Students in California log on in record numbers to take online state tests

At least 92 percent of students have access to the minimum internet speed needed, but some districts have to stagger test-takers to avoid glitches.

Sydney Johnson

March 29, 2019

Another push to expand use of SAT in California amid criticism of test

One bill would let school districts give the SAT or ACT to all students, at state expense; another calls on UC and CSU to consider phasing out the tests altogether.

John Fensterwald

December 6, 2018

Ratings in updated California School Dashboard target more districts for assistance

Two near indicators – chronic absenteeism and college/career readiness – debut and reemphasize the need to boost attendance of younger students and better prepare high schoolers for post-graduation.

John Fensterwald

August 23, 2018

Renewed push to offer SAT and ACT as California's 11th-grade test

Superintendents say free college readiness testing for all would raise SAT/ACT scores and boost college admissions. Opponents say AB 1951 would undermine the usefulness of high school testing.

John Fensterwald