A new policy debate is unfolding at the Louisiana Capitol as education leaders warn that proposed legislation could weaken student assessment standards and undermine recent academic gains.  A new commentary from Leaders for a Better Louisiana details concerns over two bills—House Bills 262 and 8 18—that would reduce or eliminate certain standardized testing requirements tied to high school graduation and instructional time. Leaders for a Better Louisiana says the current system’s standardized tests provide consistent, objective measures of student performance, help identify learning gaps and ensure readiness for college or careers. It also point to Louisiana’s recent progress in reading and math, part of the so-called “Southern Surge,” as evidence that accountability measures are working. The nonprofit says the bills’ further reductions could limit educators’ ability to track performance and target interventions, potentially putting Louisiana students at a disadvantage and slowing the state’s education momentum. The proposed changes come as the state has already scaled back testing requirements in recent years. Read the full commentary.    ...read more read less