[WardFive] Fwd: I want to put testing in the proper perspective

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Kaya Henderson" <dcpscommunications@dc.gov>
Date: Jan 23, 2014 9:45 PM
Subject: I want to put testing in the proper perspectiveT
Cc:

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DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS January 23, 2014     Dear DCPS Families,   As a DCPS parent, I sometimes, like many of you, worry that my kids spend too much time on testing. Other parents have told me that their children worry about the tests, and that they aren't sure that DCPS is using them to help students learn. I've taken these concerns to heart.   That's why today, I am announcing a new task force to ensure that DCPS is using assessments in the smartest way possible. I've put together this Assessment Task Force to determine how to do testing better, and to help ensure that our schools administer tests and foster accountability without taking away from our students' love of learning.   Currently, DCPS students take several assessments throughout the year, including the DC CAS, Paced Interim Assessments (PIA), additional literacy and math assessments, as well as a number of diagnostic exams.  The task force will review these assessments to ensure that we are only using the assessments that serve students, teachers, and parents best, and eliminate all others.   Twenty-seven participants will sit on the task force, including instructional superintendents, principals, teachers, instructional coaches and content specialists. The task force will work with parents, school-based personnel, experts, and students to make sure it has a broad perspective on how testing is perceived and how it is used in our schools.    The first phase of work began last week. Over the course of the next few months, the task force will meet regularly and develop the first set of recommendations to present to me. When completed, we will share the results with our students and families and make the plan available to the public on the DCPS website.   I believe that good testing helps improve learning. Our students' time in school is precious, and I am committed to making sure that any test they take is worth their time.   Sincerely,     Kaya Henderson Chancellor Notice of Non-Discrimination

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