Manweller supports legislation passed by House to limit testing requirements for high school students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 28, 2015

CONTACT: Kurt Hammond, Senior Information Officer - (360) 786-7794

 Manweller supports legislation passed by House to limit testing requirements for high school students

The House of Representatives passed a measure on Wednesday to increase academic rigor and streamline assessment requirements for high school students.

Rep. Matt Manweller voted in favor of House Bill 2214 siting the reduction in the number of assessment tests from seven to three as the main reason.

"As a former high school teacher and now a professor, I have seen firsthand the effects of the over testing. Educators are spending too much time teaching to the test, and students are spending too much time gearing their studies toward assessment tests," said Manweller, R-Ellensburg. "By reducing the number of assessments this legislation will ease the burden on school districts, teachers and students, and at the same time save the state money and add a little bit more local control to our education system."

Manweller also supported the bill because it would save $30 million.

"I would rather see that money going to the classroom than a testing regime," said Manweller.

House Bill 2214 would eliminate the existing alternative assessment options, including the Collection of Evidence, but retains the SAT/ACT score comparison.

It would also allow students who do not score a 3 or 4 on the SBAC to earn the Certificate of Academic Achievement by taking and passing a locally determined course in that subject or subjects.

The legislation encourages school districts to place the honors notation on the diploma, but does not require it.

The bill passed by a vote of 87-7. The Senate must take action on it before the end of the first special session on Thursday night or the bill will return to the House of Representatives and possibly be considered in the second special session, expected to be.

For more information about Rep. Manweller, visit: www.representativemattmanweller.com.

###

Rep. Manweller's media: