But other members of the GOP have increasingly called for streamlining tests. Lee has openly questioned why students who do well on college-admissions tests also have to take the high school graduation exam. Other Republicans have aligned themselves with conservative activists who relate the state’s tests to the Common Core education standards, which they oppose.
Flores’ bill, dubbed the “Fewer, Better Tests” legislation, is backed by the foundation. Critics note that the bill doesn’t explicitly eliminate any tests, though supporters counter that it could lead to some local tests being shelved because they don’t meet reporting standards in the legislation. It would also study allowing entrance exams like the SAT and ACT to be used instead of the graduation exam.
Montford’s proposal (SB 964) would, among other things, get rid of the requirement for end-of-course tests in geometry, Algebra II, U.S. history and civics; allow college-entrance exams like the SAT and ACT to be used in lieu of the state’s graduation test, without a study; and allow a pencil-and-paper option for the state’s current, computer-based tests.
Amendments to Flores’ bill filed with the Senate Education Committee would have adopted parts of Montford’s legislation, including removal of the same end-of-course tests and providing the pencil-and-paper option.
