State school board delays telling schools whether they can opt out of tests

· Mar. 11, 2015, 9:03 pm

State school board members voted Wednesday for a second time to delay action on whether to allow school districts to opt out of new state standardized tests. That’s despite knowing issuing the waivers would be illegal.

Board member Pam Mazanec said it keeps the controversial issue of state testing in the public eye.

"I see no downside to districts continuing to tell state board of education that they do not like the PARCC tests," she explained.

But others worried that delaying action causes more confusion. Hundreds of thousands of students are currently taking the tests.

"We've already been told it's against the law and I don't think that helps our communities understand or be less confused," said Board Member Jane Goff.

 Twenty-six districts have requested waivers. The school board will reconsider the issue at its next meeting.

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