SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Dozens of state lawmakers are urging the Illinois State Board of Education to slow down its move towards agreeing on a new standardized testing system for kindergarten through 8th grade.
Thirty-seven state legislators are concerned that a new standardized testing system would test third through eighth graders three times a year, and provide an option for testing kindergarten through second graders, as well.
Currently, third through eighth graders take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness in math and reading proficiency once in the spring.
While some educators believe testing students multiple times during a school year could be a better measure of growth and progress than a once-a-year test, legislators are concerned about the possibility of over-testing students, particularly in low-income Black and Latino communities, the Daily Herald reported.
They sent a letter to State Superintendent Carmen Ayala and the Illinois State Board of Education addressing concerns, reading in part, "ISBE cannot make such consequential decisions without being responsive to the input of students and families who will be directly affected. Nor should ISBE ignore the research, expertise, and experience of educators and administrators. Any new system of assessment must have a clear evidence base in research."
The legislators want the public and advisory committees to weigh in before the state board makes a decision.
The proposal would have the new tests starting in the 2023-24 school year.
