The CTA-sponsored measure that would help reform the state's student testing system and bring it in line with federal requirements is slated for a key test of its own in early September in the Senate.
Your help is urgently needed to ensure that AB 356 (Hancock) passes the Senate.
AB 356, in its current form, would make the state's student testing system more effective and efficient, save more than $2 million annually, protect second graders, delay the implementation date of the High School Exit Exam, and align the state's testing system with the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.
If you need any more information, please contact Legislative Advocate Isabelle Garcia or GR Communications Consultant Len Feldman at 916.325-1500.
Urge Senators to Approve Bill to Reform Student Testing
CTA is calling on lawmakers to approve a sponsored measure that will make important improvements in the state's student testing system.
AB 356, the sponsored measure by Assembly Member Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley), will also save California more than $2 million – funds that could be used for other high priority education programs.
Efficiency And Effectiveness at Issue
CTA has long been pushing for reform of the state's student testing and assessment system to ensure that students are tested fairly and that tests accurately reflect the state's high curriculum standards.
AB 356 would make major gains in three important areas.
First, it would eliminate the participation of second graders in the state's Standardized Testing and Reporting Program (STAR). The action would save the state an estimated $2 million, and it would protect these youngsters from tasks and pressures for which they are not developmentally ready.
The elimination of this testing for second graders would also bring the state's requirements in line with the new federal government requirements. Federal law does not require the testing of second grade students.
The measure would also help put testing in its proper place by ultimately providing alternative ways for high school students to demonstrate their competency. It would delay until the 2005-06 school year the implementation of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) as a prerequisite for graduation. In the meantime, the measure would require the State Board of Education – working with the Superintendent of Public Instruction – to recommend to the Legislature alternatives to the test that could be used by high school students to demonstrate their competence.
AB 356 also eliminates provisions of the Public Schools Accountability Act that provide schools with monetary rewards for boosting student performance.
Teachers throughout California understand that the financial rewards are counterproductive.
Contact Your Legislators Quickly
AB 356 has already cleared the Assembly and two state Senate committees. It is scheduled for its own most important test on the Senate floor in early September.
Your phone calls to your state
Senator can help assure the measure's passage.
Remind lawmakers that the measure will help save money in these difficult financial times, while boosting the effectiveness of the state's testing program.
The upshot is that students, schools, and the state will benefit from the bill's passage.
For more information, contact CTA Legislative Advocate Isabelle Garcia or GR Communications Consultant Len Feldman at 916.325-1500.