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PARCC Standardized Test Causes Problems

Raise Your Hand

Different states have incorporated Common Core standards in different ways. Illinois students will begin taking the related test, called PARCC, next week.

A discussion about student testing raised voices and emotions among those for and against the controversial test, which stands for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers. It consists of math and reading exams given to students starting in third grade.

John Barker from Chicago Public Schools says CPS is a strong proponent of the common core standards.

"We also believe in PARCC very strongly, and in fact feel like this is going to be the test for the future," he said. "There are a lot of things that PARCC can do and will do that will be very different than the kind of tests we've used in the past."

But teachers and parents think it might be different in a bad way. Cassie Creswell is part of a group that wants to stop the test.

"I'm getting letters everyday from parents of kids with autism who say, 'My kid cannot take this test, and my school is telling me it's not an option to refuse.' This is cruel," Creswell said.

Proponents say the online test is the best way to assess students. Getting rid of PARCC would cut off the state from some federal funds. Students will take the exam on March 9, so it is unlikely any changes recommended by the newly-formed study committee will take effect before the next testing date.

Lisa Ryan is a graduate student in the public affairs reporting program at the University of Illinois at Springfield. She previously worked at Indiana Public Radio and the college radio station founded by David Letterman. She is a 2014 broadcast journalism and political science graduate of Ball State University.
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