CTA Assessment Bill

[George Sheridan <learn@JPS.NET>]

Two legislators recently contacted the California Teachers Association,
saying that they have heard so much about testing from their constituents
they want to sponsor or co-sponsor a bill to do something about it.

Meanwhile, CTA had talked with Jackie Goldberg, expected to chair the
Assembly education committee after November. She has agreed to sponsor a
bill similar to what I have outlined previously, with one addition - the
High School Exit Exam would no longer be a criterion for graduation. That
is, students would take the exam, but would graduate based on district
criteria and regardless of HSEE scores.

Other details of the bill include a new state assessment program to replace
STAR:

Who takes the test?
   * Students in grades 3-11
   * Those specifically exempted would include:
       * Students in K-2
       * English Language Learner who have not shown proficiency in English
       * Students with a disability that interferes with their ability to
show academic competency through the exam

Who writes the test?
   * A new State Board of Pupil Testing with seven members. A majority of
the members must be K-12 teachers.
   * The panel shall include critics of standardized testing
   * No employee of a test publisher may serve on the panel
What is on the test?
   * Standards-based exam of English/Language Arts and math. The
assessment shall test academic skills that are part of the standards-based
curriculum.
   * Students will not be tested on material outside of the curriculum
they have been taught.
   * The exam shall also assess Science and Social Science. The State
Board of Pupil Testing will determine appropriate grade levels and test
content for these areas.
How will the data be used?
   * All school and staff rewards based on test scores would be
eliminated. This includes:
       * Certificated Staff Performance Incentive
       * Governor's Performance Award Program
       * Site Performance Awards.


George Sheridan
Black Oak Mine Teachers Association, CTA/NEA
P.O. Box 703
Garden Valley, California 95633

Every victory brings another. Carry it on.

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