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

January 26, 2021

Initial data for California confirm early grades, low-income children hit hardest by ‘learning loss’

A study of 50,000 students from 18 districts reaffirm that those who have traditionally struggled fell farther behind academically.

John Fensterwald

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

Distance Learning

November 30, 2020

Early data on learning loss show big drop in math, but not reading skills

The impact from school closures last spring proved worrisome but not as dire as projected by the assessment organization NWEA.

John Fensterwald

Testing and Accountability

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

Commentary

November 4, 2020

California’s misleading K-12 dashboard could lead to closure of the wrong schools

Dashboard calculations of school performance can obscure the success of schools helping students who are several grade levels behind.

Steve Rees and David Osborne

Testing and Accountability

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

Testing and Accountability

October 27, 2020

Academic testing looks very different in California during distance learning

To assess students during distance learning, teachers are relying on informal check-ins, open notes and webcams to monitor a student’s behavior.

Sydney Johnson

Quick Guides

July 22, 2020

Quick Guide: How has the pandemic altered California’s school accountability reforms?

California has put on hold most aspects of its school accountability system. Learn more about how the state is handling accountability during the coronavirus pandemic.

EdSource Staff

Commentary

May 5, 2020

We must ensure online testing is equitable to all students

Colleges and testing companies should put student needs at center of decisions on how to handle assessments and admissions in a time of social distancing.