TALLAHASSEE, FLA. (WTXL) - A new proposal could change the way students are tested in Florida. House Bill 877 filed by Debbie Mayfield, of Vero Beach, would allow school districts to opt out of statewide standardized assessments.
This proposal comes as many debate over the necessity of statewide standardized testing. If the bill were to pass, school districts that choose not to participate in the testing wouldn't be negatively impacted.
Some feel that there has been too much emphasis placed on standardized testing. The Common Core Learning Standards are used in Florida to evaluate students on their end of year performance.
Those in support of the testing say it provides students and teachers with better feedback about their level of knowledge and skills. The bill would also allow school districts to use national, norm-referenced tests instead of statewide standardized tests. Governor Rick Scott say they are looking for ways to scale back on the amount of standardized testing in schools.
