Newsom Signs Order Suspending Standardized Tests In CA

CALIFORNIA — Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed an executive order that would suspend this year's statewide testing for California's K-12 students due to the coronavirus outbreak. The order needs federal approval to take effect.

“This time is stressful enough for students, families and educators without the additional burden of annual testing,” Newsom said in a statement. "This is an unprecedented time, and our main focus is on supporting the mental and socioemotional health of students."

On Tuesday, after announcing that public schools may remain closed for the rest of the school year, Newsom said that he had requested a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education to suspend tests.

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In the order, Newsom argues that the disruptions caused by school closures will make it difficult for students to meet grade-level standards in the areas in which they would be tested.

The order goes on to waive all assessments for the 2019-20 school year "for all schools in the state" that the Department of Education approves.

"The safety and well-being of children and staff has to be our No. 1 concern," State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond said in a statement released by the governor's office. "We do not want concerns about testing to distract them from their critical work at this time of national emergency."

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