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Gov. Markell weekly message: Reduce redundant testing

Tom Byrne/Delaware Public Media

Gov. Jack Markell (D) is touting an effort to curb excessive testing in his weekly message.

Markell announced the move Thursday, which would set aside money for school districts to inventory the tests they give students and getting rid of those they find ineffective.

He says that extra time can be better used in the classroom.

The governor also took issue with a bill just introduced in the state House that would allow parents to opt their kids out of the new Smarter Balanced Assessment.

“The push by a small, but vocal group to opt students out of state tests is unproductive for our schools and unfair to the young people who might miss out on help they need,” Markell said.

House Education Committee chair Rep. Earl Jaques (D-Glasgow) says the proposal has no future.

The review will take place over the next four months.

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Full text of Gov. Jack Markell's weekly message

Every student, here at William Penn and across Delaware, deserves the opportunity to graduate high school ready to enter college or a career. But we can’t fulfill that responsibility if we don’t know when our students fall behind.

For a long time, that’s what happened for many young people, particularly from disadvantaged populations – especially among minorities. It’s why civil rights groups like the Urban League are among the most vocal advocates for statewide assessments.

These tests are the most effective methods we have to identify all students who need extra help and ensure they get the right support. The fact that assessments play an important role in supporting our students means we must invest the time and resources in getting them right.

While effective tests are vital, unnecessary tests don't provide educators with valuable information. And they take away valuable teaching time. So this past week, I announced an effort to identify and evaluate assessments required at the state, district, and school levels so we can eliminate repetitive or ineffective assessments.

We’ll decrease the testing burden on students and teachers and increase the time available for instruction. However, we must also improve our assessments and recognize their value, not try to end them.

The push by a small, but vocal group to opt students out of state tests is unproductive for our schools, and unfair to the young people who might miss out on help they need. Educators and parents deserve a consistent way to track and compare the progress of students and ensure they are on track to getting the skills required to be ready for college or career.

By supporting our most effective assessments and eliminating others, we’ll better support our educators and students. And we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

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