Official suggests scaling back testing of students

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio’s public schools superintendent is recommending that the time students spend on standardized tests be cut by almost 20 percent.

In a report required by the Legislature, Superintendent Richard Ross suggested scaling back certain tests used for teacher evaluations along with other tests students take in early grades.

“I am committed to improving testing efficiency and reducing the testing burden on students while maintaining accountability in our schools,” Ross said in a statement. “These recommendations are in the best interest of students. They will reduce testing and increase instructional time for Ohio’s boys and girls.”

The report released Thursday was based on a survey of testing practices in hundreds of Ohio districts and schools.

It indicated that the average Ohio student spends 19.8 hours testing per year, or about 1 percent to 3 percent of their school year. It also suggested that students spend about 15 additional hours on practice tests each year.

The Ohio Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union, said it welcomed the recommendations and looked forward to working with legislators on an appropriate level of testing.