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We Oppose High-Stakes Standardized Testing

We, the undersigned, believe that standardized test scores should never stand as the sole measure of students' knowledge, understanding, and performance. We are therefore opposed to "high-stakes" standardized tests — state-administered tests that prohibit students from graduating or advancing to the next grade.

We believe schools, teachers, and students themselves can and should be held accountable for their performance as assessed by high standards. However, we assert that standardized tests do not adequately reflect students' true proficiencies. Further, an emphasis on such tests diverts scarce funds and energy away from the high quality teaching and resources that promote active engagement and critical thinking and toward test preparation materials and "practice" activities.

We affirm that tests and other assessments should support instruction and should not interrupt effective learning strategies. We actively promote the widespread adoption of multiple measures and performance-based assessments as more challenging and accurate demonstrations of student achievement.

Sign our Petition and take a stand with CES against High-Stakes Testing!

CES plans to use the statement and supporting petition to press state and federal lawmakers to revisit the adoption of high-stakes tests, and in that spirit we plan to broadcast the number and range (both professional and geographic) of signators. We do not plan to post or publicize the names of signators, but should media or other organizations request the actual petition to credential our effort, we would provide it upon request.