Associated Press Published

School Board Approves Reducing Standardized Testing

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The West Virginia Board of Education has approved a measure to eliminate statewide standardized testing in social studies and reducing examinations in science. 

The Charleston Gazette reports that the board approved the measure on Thursday along with several other changes.

While the move will only applies to testing this spring, the board could approve a more permanent reduction in the future.

Only 36.5 percent of West Virginia students were deemed proficient in social studies last school year, down from 38.4 percent in 2012-2013. Only 40.6 percent made the cut in science, down from 41.1 percent.

Clayton Burch, chief academic officer in the state Department of Education, says the reduction in testing isn’t based on dropping exam results. Instead, he says the major concern is over-testing.