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.
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.
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.
Student advocacy groups and academics are seeking to adopt a model other states use to calculate the impact of students’ test score growth, but state staff urge patience.
A survey of California registered voters also shows strong support for school districts to devote more funds and resources to addressing the needs of the state’s most vulnerable students.
Familiarity with tests and increased Internet capabilities helped districts administer assessments, but state system experienced glitches when overloaded.
The State Board of Education agreed to spend $1.5 million more on testing, including nearly $500,000 on new "Science Academies" intended to help teachers better understand the Next Generation Science Standards.
Across California, 34 high schools and 12 districts have formed a network to promote performance-based assessments, including portfolios. These are the end product of months of intense collaboration, research, critical thinking and multiple revisions that students typically present in their senior year.
