State schools chief thinks three equals five

It seems that most educators think that students have to take too many tests to graduate high school in Washington, at least based on testimony at a hearing in Olympia Friday.

State Schools Superintendent Randy Dorn is pushing a bill to reduce the number of required assessment tests from five to three.

“Really, what we’re trying to do is consolidate reading and writing into one test, cut down on the time that we’re taking up in tests and doing just the algebra test and then biology, Dorn told the State House Education Committee.

Dorn said Washington tops the nation in the number of tests required for graduation. He questions if students are learning more just because they have to take more tests. Dorn estimates the adoption of his proposal to reduce the number of assessment tests would save the state $36 million in between 2013-2015 and $70 million the following two years.

Some educators testifying Friday think Dorn’s proposal doesn’t go far enough.

“We should de-link the graduation requirements from the high stakes test,” said Marie Sullivan with the Washington State School Directors Association. “Some kids are just not good test-takers.”

Dorn said 26 states do not require students to pass any assessment tests to graduate.

One school principal warned lawmakers that unless testing is reduced, scheduling will force him to eliminate some advanced placement courses.

The committee took no action on the bill, HB 1450, sponsored by Rep. Sam Hunt, D-22nd district.