The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) recently voted on a resolution that would allow ten schools to opt out of standardized tests and test preparation starting in the 2025-26 school year. The resolution states that once these schools develop innovative assessments, they will be excused from standardized testing, with the exception of state and federally mandated assessments. LAUSD President Jackie Goldberg expressed her hope for the resolution to change the way student assessment is viewed, emphasizing that she is not against assessment in general.
During the board meeting, Goldberg criticized the “testing industry” which she believes spends billions of dollars each year to improve standardized test scores. She argued that standardized tests have become a means for “corporate America” to judge everything happening in schools, leading to an overemphasis on testing and test preparation rather than the enjoyment of education. Goldberg, who will retire at the end of the year, expressed her concern that standardized tests undermine the love of learning and exchange of ideas, creating a culture focused solely on improving test scores.
Despite Goldberg’s support for the resolution, some of her colleagues on the board criticized the measure. Board member Nick Melvoin, who voted against the resolution, mentioned challenges related to declining enrollment and limited resources in the district. He highlighted the importance of being able to measure what works in education and emphasized the need for a common language about effective teaching practices. Another board member, George McKenna, also voted no, stating that the absence of assessment is not a gift to children and arguing that standardized tests are necessary for future success.
The resolution requires the implementation of a Supporting Meaningful Teaching and Learning Initiative at the ten selected schools. This initiative allows for local assessment measures to be put in place by teachers and administrators, freeing them from the burden of preparing for standardized tests. Additionally, a lead teacher at each school will receive professional development support from Community School Coaches and the University of California Los Angeles Center for Community Schooling. These schools are also expected to integrate culturally relevant curriculum, project-based learning, and civic engagement into their programs.
As the second-largest school district in the nation, LAUSD oversees a large student population at over 1,000 schools. The potential conflict between the resolution and the standard practice of analyzing test scores to evaluate schools by the LAUSD superintendent raises questions about the impact of this new initiative on the overall assessment and accountability system. LAUSD officials have yet to respond to requests for comment from news outlets.
