Educators question new academic standards

For the first time in 15 years, California students did not take STAR tests in May.  STAR (Standardized Testing and Reporting) has been the state's model for years, but now the test, known for its requirement to “fill in the bubble” with a #2 pencil, has been replaced with something else.  Common Core academic curriculum uses questions designed to measure students’ under new standards. The tests, taken on computers or iPads, ask students not only to provide answers, but also to explain the methods they used to find them. Despite some growing pains, most teachers and students are jumping on board. “Teaching to the test is not a wrong thing if it is the right test, and you’re assessing the right things.”  Read more reactions on Boyle Heights Beat.