One of the goals set for Common Core standards was to be able to compare test results between different states. According to a recent AP report, however, this is unlikely happen. While one of the initial reasons for introducing Common Core was the desire to compare data from all states by using the same standards and assessments, an increasing number of parents opting their children out of testing and states deciding to leave the two federally backed consortia has made this difficult.
Seven states have released scores – all states to use the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. Connecticut, Idaho, Missouri, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia released preliminary or final testing results. As several other states have abandoned Smarter Balanced exams in favor of their own, it has become harder for states to compare results, according to the AP report. Smarter Balanced is one of two groups given $330 million by the U.S. Department of Education in 2010 to develop exams to test students on the Common Core math and English standards.
Heather Kays ([email protected]) is a research fellow with The Heartland Institute and is managing editor of School Reform News.
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Heather Kays is a policy advisor to The Heartland Institute and former managing editor of School Reform News, a national monthly publication.
