The state has abandoned traditional standardized tests as is makes the transition to the new Common Core academic standards which will be in place next school year.
The Federal government has threatened to withhold at least $15 million from California unless it continues to administer standardized tests. Richard Zeiger is with the California Department of Education. He said this may satisfy federal demands.
“Hopefully they will see that this meets their requirements and meets our requirements and will do the right thing by the kids," he said. "But we’ll find out."
Zeiger said California will go forward with its plan regardless of the federal government’s decision.
This spring students in grades three through eight and grade 11 will take a shortened version of the math and English sections of the new assessment.
They will not be scored. But the results will be evaluated to see if the assessment is effective.