The FCAT. NAEP. PISA. SAT. ACT. PERT. FAIR: These are just some of the many tests given to Florida students throughout the year. Not every student will take every test, but the sheer number of them have some people calling for change. Governor Rick Scott recently expressed concerns over the testing schedule.
The state has increasingly upped the stakes for students and teachers on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. The FCAT is now used for grade promotion and teacher pay. Scott recently expressed concern that the state is testing “too much”, and the Florida Association of School Boards recently passed a resolution opposing the way tests like the FCAT are used. Director Wayne Blanton says he believes the resolution got Governor Scott’s attention:
“We’re pleased the Governor is recognizing one of the issues with the extensive testing in Florida, and we’ve been working with the Commissioner of Education in cutting down on the number of tests given.”
The state only requires districts to administer one test—the FCAT. But worse than expected results this year have led to concerns from parents and local officials over the way it is used to promote and retain students, and evaluate and pay teachers.
*Correction: In an earlier version of this story, it was incorrectly stated that the Florida Association of School Board’s passed a resolution opposing standardized testing. In fact, the FASB passed a resolution opposing the way the such tests are used.
