Issue Position: Meaningful Assessments

Issue Position

We all had to take tests in school, they are an important part of the teaching and learning process. However, few of us ever had to pass standardized tests and exit exams to earn our diploma. As Superintendent, I will partner with our educators -- the experts in teaching and learning -- to ensure that we use high quality assessments; not to hold back students or to punish teachers, but instead to use the results of those assessments to bring personal attention to our students so that they can continue their growth and pursue their career and college-ready options.

I believe strongly in high standards for all of our kids! Tests are not standards however; they are merely benchmarks of progress. When students struggle in a content area, they don't need more tests, they need more classes and instruction so they can meet standards. If you break your arm, your doctor performs tests but then treats the arm. They don't keep testing you without treatment until you get lucky enough to get one positive test result. It is critical that we return our education system to one that emphasizes local control -- district, school, and classroom based solutions that help all of our students to achieve.

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