Common Core Panel: Don’t Teach for Test

A panel created by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to look into New York’s rollout of the Common Core curriculum recommended Monday banning standardized tests for the youngest students and capping the amount of instructional time that can be used for test prep.

Cuomo created the panel last month amid widespread complaints by parents and teachers that New York rushed the rollout of the tougher standards. Teachers argue they will be unfairly punished if students do poorly under the new assessments and others question whether the standards will really elevate student achievement.

The panel called for the ban of standardized “bubble tests” for students through second grade, saying it would protect them from anxiety and “developmentally inappropriate” testing.

Another recommendation apparently aimed at the practice of “teaching to the test” would limit the amount of class time that can be used for standardized tests and test preparation. The panel also wants to make sure results of English and math Common Core tests for grades 3-8 do not appear on students’ permanent records.

State lawmakers have said they would consider the panel’s recommendations.

The K-12 educational benchmarks have been adopted by 45 states and the District of Columbia to improve student readiness for college and careers.

This article appeared in print on page 10 of the March 12th, 2014 edition of Hamodia.