The U.S. Department of Education has waived standardized testing requirements for the current school year for students in elementary school through high school. The department says it will provide relief from federally mandated testing requirements to any state requesting a waiver due to the public health crisis.
“Eliminating standardized testing for the current year is the right decision for students,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “It will allow teachers to focus on end-of-year learning and students’ social and emotional well-being, instead of teaching to the test. Teachers will continue to keep their students safe, engaged, and learning throughout this crisis.”
The action comes just one day after Governor Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona requested a waiver to suspend standardized assessments. Cardona said sitting students down to take assessments after an extended absence from school is not the best way to use their time.
“We are committed to supporting our students, teachers, leaders, and families and ensuring they feel a sense of normalcy and stability if and when they return to the school building this year,” Cardona said.
Leake concluded, “We cannot underestimate the severity of this public health crisis and its impact on our lives. We need to do all we can to prevent the spread of the disease, minimize negative effects of the pandemic, and keep our students, teachers, and communities safe.”
Student Loan Relief
The U.S. Department of Education also announced a student loan relief plan to help millions of Americans with student loan debt. All interest on federally held student loans will be suspended without penalty for the next 60 days. Borrowers will also have the option to suspend their payments for at least two months, without accruing interest, allowing them greater flexibility during the coronavirus crisis.
SAT and AP Exams
Also in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the College Board today announced that students in Advanced Placement classes will be able to take the end-of-course exams from home using a computer, tablet, or phone. There will be two different testing dates for each AP subject and the College Board is providing free remote learning resources. Click here for more details.
The May 2, SAT and SAT Subject Test administration and the March 28 make up exams have all been cancelled.
The March 25 SAT School Day administration has been postponed, however, the June 6, SAT and SAT Subject Test administration dates have not yet been cancelled. The College Board says it will continue to assess its status, with the health and safety of students and educators as its top priority.
College Board and Khan Academy are providing students with free online resources, including full-length practice tests and personalized learning tools at www.khanacademy.org/sat.
