ACLU files second high-stakes testing suit

THE RHODE ISLAND branch of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed two lawsuits challenging the state Board of Education over high stakes testing requirements.
THE RHODE ISLAND branch of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed two lawsuits challenging the state Board of Education over high stakes testing requirements.

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s proposed high stakes testing requirement, the second suit in as many weeks, the ACLU announced Friday.
The suit alleges the R.I.Board of Education is violating open-meetings laws by planning a private retreat for late August to discuss the controversial requirement, which ties high school graduation to performance on NECAP standardized tests.
The suit points to the “extraordinary public attention” the question of high stakes testing has received in recent months, according to a release. The release notes that both the general assembly and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras have urged the board to delay the high stakes testing requirement, which goes into effect in 2014.
Last week, the ACLU filed another lawsuit alleging the board violated the state Administrative Procedures Act when it failed to address a petition from 17 organizations challenging high stakes testing.
The ACLU estimates some 4,000 students might not graduate next year if high stakes testing goes into effect. NECAP tests, the organization argues, are not a reliable measure of graduation readiness.

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