A national study confirms what California educators have been saying all along: the state's achievement tests are harder to pass compared to tests in other states. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
A Washington-based education think tank compared standardized achievement tests used in 26 states.
Researchers found California, South Carolina, and Massachusetts have the toughest statewide exams. Colorado, Wisconsin and Michigan have the easiest.
California's top education officials have long been saying their tests and standards are more rigorous, which is why fewer students are considered “proficient” in math and English. Now they have some research to help back that up.
The findings also validate the notion that some states lower their standards so more students can pass.
Standardized test results are used to determine whether schools are satisfying the federal No Child Left Behind Act .
Schools face sanctions if they don't meet all the federal academic benchmarks.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
