HARRISBURG (100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) — Secretary of Education Noe Ortega revealed Saturday that the Pennsylvania Department of Education had submitted a letter to the U.S. Department regarding the delay of standardized testing.
The postponement would push any "federally-required academic achievement and English learner proficiency tests" to the fall of 2021.
"Since the start of this pandemic, our work has been centered on protecting the health and safety of students, educators, and school staff across the state," said Ortega.
"Our decision to extend the testing window continues to prioritize their health and safety and creates needed flexibilities for our unique school communities."
The letter does not necessarily force local education agencies, or LEAs, to move all testing to the autumn, however.
What is intended is for flexibility for the educational facilities and students during the pandemic.
This means that each agency will decide to do best with what they see fit regarding the proficiency tests.
Some might choose to operate normally and do testing in the spring, but the ability to do them in the fall has now become viable.
Allowing for pushback of the tests is hoping to serve the students' mental and emotional health and well-being and make sure each young learner is getting their fair shake.
Moreover, the choice for postponement ultimately comes down as federal ruling, but Pennsylvania has also moved mountains to assure that all students can feasibly perform their assessment.
With that, the commonwealth has introduced remote assessments, expanded testing windows into the summer, and reduced state testing.
___
Listen to KDKA Radio on the RADIO.COM App
Tell your smart speaker to "play News Radio 10 20 KDKA"
Receive email updates from KDKA Radio
Follow KDKA Radio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
