Recently, Gov. DeSantis announced a goal to end the Florida Standards Assessment. This statewide, standardized exam, given to Florida’s school children in grades 3-10, was made obsolete by the state’s initiative to change Florida’s education standards. Formerly, Florida State Standards were based on the national Common Core State Standards which were frequently maligned by the governor. Now, the state is transitioning to BEST (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) Standards and requires a new form of assessment.
Spectrum News’ In Focus examined the transition to new state assessments and what it will mean for Florida’s classrooms. Melissa Erickson, our Executive Director, participated in a panel with Representatives Plasencia and Valdes and discussed the impacts for Florida’s students, teachers and public schools. Watch here:
As we noted in an earlier post, Melissa emphasized that regardless of the type or frequency of assessments, the big question remains how will the tests be used? Our issue with these assessments has never been about the test. Instead, it has been the consequences tied to the tests that put too much pressure on children and educators. A third grader’s matriculation or a high school student’s future should not depend on one test- nor should an educator’s professional evaluation.
Follow this blog for more information on Florida’s changing assessments. The 2022 Legislative Session begins in January and lawmakers are meeting now to craft policies that directly impact children, teachers and public schools.
