Statement on U.S. Department of Education decision on statewide assessments

February 23, 2021FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor More Information Contact:Jessica Fletcher, Senior Director, Communications & External Affairs(cell) 859-539-0511jessica.fletcher@prichardcommittee.org

LEXINGTON, KY – Today, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence signed on to a letter with the Education Trust in support of the U.S. Department of Education’s decision not to consider blanket waivers of the critical civil rights component of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that requires high quality, statewide assessments.

The data gathered by statewide standardized testing can play a valuable role in addressing systemic inequities in our education system and gauging the effectiveness of remote and hybrid learning models. What we learn during this pandemic through data collection will help us better prepare for the future.

The federal decision to be flexible on some elements of test length and timing is also constructive in the face of pandemic challenges. In addition, postponing school ratings for accountability and school improvement until we’ve the pandemic is over, is prudent and can grant some helpful relief to educators and others who have been straining to meet learner needs under difficult conditions all year.

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The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is an independent, nonpartisan, citizen-led organization working to improve education in Kentucky – early childhood through postsecondary.