Teachers' union wants to limit high-stakes tests to 5th, 8th grades

Members of a statewide teachers’ union want to limit high-stakes student testing to fifth and eighth grades to refocus teacher time on broader learning rather than test-taking.

Education Minnesota released a report Monday detailing how to improve assessments as state leaders engage in a larger debate about the issue.

“Too many policy debates are shaped by people who don’t work in schools,” union President Denise Specht said. “We believe it’s time to bring in experts, educators, to make policy recommendations that are grounded in their real work experiences.”

http://www.startribune.com/teachers-union-wants-to-limit-high-stakes-tests-to-fifth-eighth-grades/325210121/