DeWine seeks to suspend standardized testing for the school year

On Sunday Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he will be asking Ohio's General Assembly to pass a measure to forgo state-mandated testing for the rest of the school year.

Students have spent months preparing for annual standardized tests that were set to begin on Monday, but with schools closed until at least April 3, the administration of those exams has been up in the air.

Last week, Ohio lawmakers drafted legislation that would waive school testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. The General Assembly is expected to return to session this coming week.

DeWine ordered Ohio schools closed through at least April 3, but he as since indicated those closures could last longer, potentially lasting through the end of the school year. He and other state officials have insisted the exams are not a high priority amid the public health crisis brought on by coronavirus.

"These tests are, quite candidly, the least of our problems," DeWine said at a recent press conference.

The American Association of School Administrators has been lobbying for a nationwide waiver of tests this year.

The U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced Friday that states can forego standardized testing for the 2019-20 school year by using a newly streamlined process, but no nationwide waiver has been announced.

The Ohio Department of Education is among many states asking for "maximum flexibility" from the federal government regarding the tests, but that's easier said than done. The tests serve as crucial benchmarks that affect everything from federal funding to graduation and grade advancements.

Several states have already canceled standardized tests while others have sought waivers.

The Ohio bill could be introduced as early as this week, provided the Ohio House of Representatives meets as expected.

This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 11:53 AM with the headline "DeWine seeks to suspend standardized testing for the school year."