Once again, it’s time to contact federal representatives to urge them to pass more sensible education policies.

A proposal under consideration by the Senate Education Committee would reduce federally required testing by two-thirds, by shifting from annual to grade-span testing (statewide testing for one grade in elementary school, one grade in middle school and one grade in high school).

This is the best chance in years to make a significant dent in the high-stakes standardized testing inflicted on our students, teachers and schools.

An editorial in this morning’s Charlotte Observer, titled A Better Approach to Tests, explains why the shift matters.

Please call or e-mail North Carolina senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis to let them know that North Carolina parents, teachers and community members support a shift to grade-span testing in a reauthorized ESEA.

http://www.burr.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

http://www.tillis.senate.gov/content/contact-thom

Specific stories about the problems that overtesting has caused at the schools you know best will have an especially strong effect. But just a simple “I urge you to support grade-span testing” would be great as well.

The U.S. House also has a highly problematic ESEA reauthorization bill on the floor, HR 5. It does nothing to improve testing policies. It also threatens to reduce assistance to low-income students and schools. The vote should be early next week (week of March 2). Please call or e-mail your House Representative and urge her/him to vote no.

You can find more details about the pros and cons of the full proposals on the website of Parents Across America.

The Senate proposal analysis is here http://parentsacrossamerica.org/paa-position-senate-esea-proposals/

The House proposal analysis is here: http://parentsacrossamerica.org/paa-position-hr-5-house-esea-reauthorization-bill/

Thanks for being part of this challenging but necessary democratic process.

If you have any questions, please send them to info@MecklenburgACTS.org