According to the California Department of Education, the CA State Board has approved of a shortened standardized test for Math and English Language Arts. The decision was, according to the CDE, unanimous. Believing that this is the best way to support both students and teachers, schools, and districts as they have faced a lot throughout this difficult situation we are in.

“Our schools and educators need flexibility, options, and ongoing support as they continue to navigate tremendous challenges and collect data across multiple measures to fully understand student learning,” said the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.

Because of the Every Students Succeeds Act, all states are required to assess their students’ learning, a condition for receiving certain federal funds. The U.S Department of education made it clear that they would not consider a waiver and that state education chiefs should prepare for testing in the spring. However, the California State Board approved of a shortened assessment, which reflects the state’s commitment to support schools, providing testing options.

The standardized testing will be shortened for English Language Arts and Math for grades 3-8 and 11. In addition, the total testing time is now seven to eight hours total. These tests cover all of the academic standards of each grade level, so these tests will be a “snapshot” of the effect that COVID-19 had on the students.

Currently the CDE is preparing the testing administration, student participation, and communication with the parents. However, MT SAC ECA Juniors, keep in mind that your tests in the spring may be significantly shorter than before!