A state task force assigned to review the assessments used to schools is recommending that the state adopt what are called the “Smarter Balanced” assessments. Iowa Department of Education spokesperson, Staci Hupp Ballard, says the assessments are used for public and accredited non-public schools, and the Smarter Balanced assessment was developed by a group of states.
Ballard says administrators, teachers and other gave their input to the task force.
The next step will be in the hands of lawmakers.
Ballard says. Iowa students currently take the Iowa Assessments in grades 3-8 and 11 in math and reading to meet state and federal accountability laws. The Iowa Assessments are developed and administered by Iowa Testing Programs at the University of Iowa. The Legislature opened the door for a new assessment process in 2013 by creating the Assessment Task Force.
