R027-9899

10                                          A RESOLUTION CONCERNING
20                                  ABOLITION OF HIGH-STAKES TESTING
	
30	WHEREAS:	The high-stakes assessment exams that are currently being                
40			implemented in core subject areas do not effectively measure a      
50		  	student's ability to think,  reason, or problem solve within subject 
60			areas; and,

70	WHEREAS:  	There is often a high level of error on the scoring of these exams;   
80               	and,

90	WHEREAS:  	Students must pass these tests to graduate; and, 

100	WHEREAS:  	Teacher evaluations are being tied to test scores; and,

110	WHEREAS:  	Many educators are therefore dropping their curriculums and
120		       	teaching to the test; and, 

130	WHEREAS:  	These tests are only hurting the education and future of our nation's 
140		    	youth.

150	THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:  That the Maryland Student Legislature urges 
160			the State of Maryland to create assessment exams that more        
170			effectively measure a student's ability to think, reason, and 
180			problem solve, and;

190	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:  That these new assessment exams not be       
200			implemented until the High School Assessment Task Force is able 
210			to demonstrate their effective evaluation of student and school   
220			achievement.

230	MANDATES:  	Governor Parris N. Glendening
240			 Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
250			 State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick
260			 Senator Nancy Jacobs
270			 Delegate Charles Boutin
280			 Delegate Mary Dulaney-James
290			 Delegate Daniel Riley

Katherine Boyle
Western Maryland College
2 College Hill - Box 135
Westminster, MD 21157-4390
(410) 751-8189