Atlantic County tax administrator pitches annual reassessing plan to keep assessments near market value County tax administrator Terry Prendergast told the Board the county should support municipal annual reassessing with shared inspectors, technology and clerical staffing to maintain fair assessment ratios and avoid costly full revaluations; she estimated initial county staffing would cost about $695,000.

Atlantic County’s tax administrator proposes a game-changing annual reassessing plan that could save millions and keep property values in check!

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#AtlanticCounty #NJ #MunicipalSupport #CitizenPortal #AtlanticCountyTaxation #TaxFairness #AssessmentReform

St. Joseph district to roll out 5% weight for end‑of‑course exams after committee recommendation District administrators told the board they will set end‑of‑course (EOC) exams to count for 5% of course grades this year as a phased rollout, after a committee recommended adding weight to increase student accountability; board members asked for safeguards and clearer grading practices.

The St. Joseph School District is shaking up grading policies by making end-of-course exams count for 5% of students' final grades this year, aiming to boost accountability and engagement.

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#MO #CitizenPortal #MissouriEducation #GradeEquity #AssessmentReform #StudentAccountability

Committee orders independent study on whether Smarter Balanced can replace Keystone exams An amendment (A02316) requiring an independent study to evaluate whether Smarter Balanced Assessments can serve as an alternative to Keystone exams was adopted unanimously and House Bill 17 52 passed the committee 26–0; members debated replacing versus studying assessments.

A unanimous committee vote could pave the way for Smarter Balanced Assessments to replace Keystone exams, sparking a debate on the future of student evaluation in Pennsylvania.

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#PA #CitizenPortal #CollegeReadiness #StakeholderEngagement #PennsylvaniaEducation #AssessmentReform

Wicomico County officials flag low kindergarten readiness scores, defend new online KRA and outline supports District supervisors and board members debated the new Maryland KRA vendor, administration practices and early results after Wicomico assessed about 1,200 kindergarten students; presenters described local testing adjustments, instructional supports, and social–emotional screening data.

Wicomico County's new KRA assessment reveals concerning kindergarten readiness scores, sparking debate on testing practices and support for early learners.

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#MD #CitizenPortal #StudentReadiness #EarlyChildhoodSupport #MarylandEducation #AssessmentReform

LDOE announces certification changes for JROTC, educational leader pathway and paraeducator assessment The Louisiana Department of Education told educators the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) will recognize branch-issued JROTC certifications, AltPath 2 applicants must complete a required LDOE PLP course beginning March 1, and BESE adopted a two-part Para Pathways assessment to replace the expiring ParaPro exam.

Big changes are coming to educator certification in Louisiana, including new requirements for JROTC instructors and a revamped assessment for paraeducators!

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#LA #CitizenPortal #LouisianaEducation #EducationPolicy #TeacherCertification #AssessmentReform

Kansas committee weighs bill to remove ACT-specific language from statute, sparking debate over STEM measurement and procurement A House committee heard testimony on House Bill 24-82 to replace vendor-specific references to ACT in Kansas law with neutral language allowing the State Board to select nationally recognized college- and career-readiness assessments; supporters say it preserves flexibility, opponents (ACT) warn it could weaken STEM and longitudinal measures.

Kansas is debating a bill that could reshape college readiness assessments, stirring strong opinions on maintaining high standards for STEM readiness.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #STEMReadiness #KansasEducation #EducationalFlexibility #AssessmentReform

Olathe and KSDE seek federal approval to pilot year‑round assessments as alternative accountability Olathe Public Schools and KSDE asked the board to support applying to the federal Innovative Assessment Demonstration (IADA) to allow a multi‑district pilot using quarterly 'through' assessments as the accountability measure instead of the statewide summative, arguing better instructional alignment and more useful, timely data for teachers.

Olathe officials are revolutionizing student assessments with a new pilot program that promises timely feedback and reduced testing pressure for teachers and students alike.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #InstructionalAlignment #KansasEducation #TeacherSupport #AssessmentReform

Tooele presents midyear benchmark gains; officials flag second-grade dip and RISE interims as new baseline Superintendent Dr. Cody Reitzel and Assessment Director Andy Peterson presented midyear Acadience and RISE benchmark results showing gains in early grades, a district-wide 16% rise in students at/above benchmarks in math, and progress on excellence-plan goals; second grade remains a targeted area for improvement.

Tooele School District celebrates impressive growth in early grades, but the second grade's ongoing dip raises eyebrows and calls for action.

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#UT #EducationGrowth #StudentProgress #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

Committee advances teacher-prep assessment bill amid opposition over costs and prior Praxis experience SSB 3048, requiring minimum training expectations and a state-selected end-of-program assessment for teacher-preparation programs, was advanced after heated committee debate; critics argued it resurrects a Praxis-style requirement and is an unfunded mandate likely to impose $150–$200 per candidate.

A controversial new bill in Iowa could impose hefty costs on teacher candidates by reintroducing a state-selected assessment, sparking fierce debate among lawmakers.

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#IA #TeacherTraining #CitizenPortal #IowaEducation #FundingChallenges #AssessmentReform

SCORE tells House committee Tennessee's NAEP, TCAP scores improved; urges faster result reporting and assessment inventory SCORE presented national and state assessment results showing multi-year improvement on NAEP and TCAP — including third-grade ELA proficiency at 41.7% — and recommended faster release of results to families and an inventory of local assessments to reduce lost instructional time.

Tennessee's assessment scores are on the rise, but families are still waiting too long for results—SCORE is calling for a game-changing policy shift to speed things up!

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#TN #DataTransparency #CitizenPortal #StudentProficiency #TennesseeEducation #AssessmentReform

Committee clears option for districts to offer statewide tests on paper HB20‑33 would let school districts or charter governing bodies choose to administer statewide assessments in paper form. Supporters said paper testing can reduce technology‑related barriers for some students; members asked for stakeholder work on grading, cost and comparability.

Arizona's HB20-33 could revolutionize testing by allowing schools to choose paper assessments, helping students navigate the challenges of digital testing!

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#AZ #ArizonaSchools #CitizenPortal #TechnologyBarriers #EducationAccess #AssessmentReform

Panel advances proposal to move statewide tests to end of school year; districts warn of logistics HB20‑32 would shift Arizona’s statewide testing window to the last two weeks of each LEA’s calendar to better capture a full year of instruction. Supporters argued it improves accuracy and reduces stress; large districts warned of operational challenges.

Arizona is considering a bold shift to move statewide testing to the last two weeks of school, aiming to better reflect a full year's learning while facing logistical hurdles.

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#AZ #StudentWellbeing #CitizenPortal #InstructionalQuality #ArizonaEducation #AssessmentReform

KSDE defends new 2025 cut scores and concordance table as alignment with ACT/NAEP; lawmakers call it "moving the goalposts" KSDE officials said new 2025 assessments and cut scores were set by Kansas educators to better align with ACT/NAEP benchmarks and provided a concordance table linking 2024 and 2025 scaled scores; some legislators, including Representative Steele, criticized the change as shifting standards.

Kansas educators are reshaping the state's assessment landscape with new cut scores, but some lawmakers are calling it "moving the goalposts."

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#KS #KansasEducation #EducationalAccountability #CitizenPortal #StandardSetting #AssessmentReform

Utah training details what’s changing on the ACT for spring 2026 ACT and Utah State Board of Education presenters told school test coordinators that the spring 2026 enhanced ACT will be shorter with fewer questions, more time per question, and a four-choice math section; composite scores and benchmarks remain unchanged. Key scheduling and accommodation deadlines were listed.

Big changes are coming to the ACT in spring 2026, with a shorter test, fewer questions, and more time for students to think!

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#UT #TestPreparation #StudentAccessibility #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

Board hears first reading of policy tying senior remediation to ISAT proficiency; members ask for more planning Superintendent and staff presented a first reading of a proposed policy that would require seniors who are not proficient on their junior‑year ISATs to take remedial semester courses; board members asked for clearer appeals language, accommodations for opt‑outs and IEPs, and stronger early‑grade interventions before adopting the policy.

Middleton District is proposing a new policy that could reshape senior year for students struggling with ISAT proficiency—what does this mean for future graduates?

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#ID #StudentSupport #GraduationReadiness #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

Board reviews high‑school assessment policy changes after state rule shifts; debate over 'participation' standard Board hears first reader of Policy 9.35 to align local language to MSDE/COMAR: math language broadened, biology/government EOCs remain 20% of course grade while ELA/math MCAP assessments are now participation-focused; members raised concerns about reduced weight and the 50% floor and asked presenters to return with clarifying language.

The Talbot County Board of Education is shaking up high school graduation policies, redefining assessment standards and sparking debate on the importance of state tests!

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#MD #MarylandEducation #GraduationRequirements #LocalControl #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

District flagged for exceeding 1% cap on alternate assessments; state intervention begins Eastport-South Manor staff told the board the district exceeded the federal 1% cap for alternate (NICE) assessments (ELA and math 1.66%; science 2.57%); the state requires a corrective-action process and a state-led intervention starting immediately with an eight-person committee.

Eastport-South Manor has hit a concerning milestone by exceeding the federal 1% cap on alternate assessments, prompting immediate state intervention.

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#NY #NewYorkEducation #SpecialEducation #StateIntervention #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

District reports rising graduation rates, RISE/Aspire score context and literacy gains District leaders told the board that graduation rates have risen above the state average and dropout rates have declined; presenters contextualized RISE and Aspire test changes and outlined K–3 literacy interventions tied to SB127 third‑grade goals.

The district is celebrating a significant milestone with graduation rates soaring above the state average for the first time in years, along with impressive literacy gains in K-3!

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#UT #LiteracyImprovement #GraduationRates #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

Utah board hears proposal to pilot national norm‑referenced tests as alternative to RISE The Utah State Board of Education reviewed a draft legislative pilot that would allow schools to use nationally norm‑referenced assessments (administered beginning, middle and end of year) in place of the state RISE test, with conversion rules, enrollment caps and a five‑year sunset. Board members pressed for details on statistical concordance, opt‑out rules and staff capacity; no formal action was taken.

Utah schools may soon have the option to replace the state RISE test with nationally norm-referenced assessments, aiming to reduce test fatigue and improve instructional data.

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#UT #TestFatigue #EducationalAccountability #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

RCSD reports modest gains on 2024–25 state tests but proficiency remains low District officials presented 2024–25 state assessment results showing 19% proficiency in grades 3–8 ELA and 17% in math, while noting declines in the share scoring at the lowest band and a need for systemic instructional improvements.

Rochester City School District sees small improvements in state test scores, but critical gaps remain—what's being done to boost student success?

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#NY #NewYorkEducation #StudentProficiency #InstructionalImprovement #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform

Board hears assessment results, alternate-assessment updates and hires Native American liaison The board received AQuEST/NSCAS/ACT results and discussed reading screener choices under the Nebraska Reads Act; staff reported reductions in alternate-assessment counts and introduced newly hired Native American liaison Matthew Sasma.

Exciting changes are happening in Nebraska schools as three improve from 'good' to 'great' and a new Native American liaison makes strides in community outreach!

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#NE #CitizenPortal #HealthScreenings #CivicAccountability #AssessmentReform

Group of students with backpacks running into school, captured from behind, showing excitement.

The consequences of 30+ years of test obsession and "data-driven" student metrics laid bare. Thank you NYT Magazine for affirming the FairTest mission. #TestingCulture #AssessmentReform
https://ow.ly/bGTY50XwXmp

America’s Children Are Unwell. Are Schools Part of the Problem? From A.D.H.D. to anxiety, disorders have risen as the expectations of childhood have changed.

The consequences of 30+ years of test obsession and "data-driven" student metrics laid bare. Thank you NYT Magazine for affirming the FairTest mission. #TestingCulture #AssessmentReform
https://ow.ly/bGTY50XwXmp

Superintendent briefs board on proposed shifts to Kentucky assessment and accountability Superintendent Bridal told the Nelson County Board of Education the Kentucky Board of Education is considering a model that preserves federally required reading and math measures while allowing local choice for some measures, and potentially using interim assessments such as iReady or MAP to track individual student growth rather than cohort-to-coh

Kentucky's education system is on the verge of a groundbreaking shift that could personalize student assessments and provide timely feedback—are you ready for the changes ahead?

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#KY #CitizenPortal #CompetencyBasedLearning #AssessmentReform #InstructionalData

State Board approves i‑Ready as Nevada’s Read‑by‑Grade‑3 assessment; board to fund dual assessment options The Nevada State Board of Education voted to approve Curriculum Associates’ i‑Ready as the state Read by Grade 3 assessment and authorized state support to fund either i‑Ready or MAP where districts choose; board members asked for contract scope details and implementation supports prior to statewide rollout.

The Nevada State Board of Education has officially approved i-Ready as the new Read by Grade 3 assessment for students, paving the way for enhanced learning opportunities across the state.

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#NV #CitizenPortal #EarlyLearning #NevadaEducation #AssessmentReform #EducationalEquity

Committee debate over graduation competency test proposal spotlights equity and assessment trade‑offs A committee member proposed requiring district‑level competency testing for graduation in core subjects after the repeal of state competency mandates. Public commenters, students and committee members debated potential benefits and harms, including stress on students, special education accommodations and whether final exams or alternate measures su

A heated debate is brewing over a proposal to require district-level competency testing for graduation, raising critical questions about equity and student stress.

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#MA #EquityInEducation #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform #StudentWellbeing

District math data: strong K gains, eighth-grade proficiency near 62%; Aspire Plus and assessment limitations discussed The district presented multi-year math assessment data showing an 11-point jump in end-of-year kindergarten proficiency, stable eighth-grade proficiency around 61–62 percent, and rising overall proficiency across grades 3–8. Presenters cautioned that state assessments are one data point and discussed strategies to better align classroom instruction

Utah's district math assessments reveal a remarkable 11-point increase in kindergarten proficiency and an eighth-grade success rate soaring above the state average, but there's more to the story than just numbers.

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#UT #CitizenPortal #AssessmentReform #StudentProficiency

District explains new state cut scores for 2024-25 assessments: "New test, new cut scores" District assessment staff briefed the board on Nov. 5 about screening tools, interim exams and Kansas State Department of Educations new standard-setting process for 2024-25 ELA and math assessments. Staff emphasized the tests and cut scores are not directly comparable year-to-year and pointed to a state concordance table that links prior scores.

Kansas is rolling out new ELA and math assessments with fresh cut scores, shaking up how student performance will be measured in 2024-25!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #StandardSetting #KansasEducation #StudentSupport #AssessmentReform

Board hears milestone and state assessment update; officials flag math proficiency and K–2 assessment questions Associate Superintendent Cindy Barris presented district milestone and state-assessment data, reporting milestone-bank development by teachers, concerns about math proficiency statewide and locally, and a vendor claim about the K–2 Istation/Amira product not being intended for proficiency determinations.

The Silver Consolidated Board of Education is revamping its assessment system to better predict student performance and tackle pressing concerns about math proficiency.

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#NM #CitizenPortal #NewMexicoEducation #AssessmentReform #K12Literacy #MathEquity

Revised Kansas assessments set a new baseline; Shawnee Mission students score above state averages District assessment leader presented 2025 Kansas assessment results, showed improved alignment with local diagnostics and said 52–57% of SMSD students scored at or above the new ‘proficient’ cut scores in ELA and math.

Shawnee Mission students are soaring above state averages with 52-57% scoring proficient in the newly revamped Kansas assessments!

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#KS #CitizenPortal #LocalInterventions #KansasEducation #AssessmentReform #StudentPerformance