​Statement from State School Superintendent Richard Woods on legislation to reduce high-stakes testing in Georgia

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 – “For years, I’ve expressed deep concerns about the number and weight of high-stakes tests in Georgia, and getting state testing requirements in line with the federal minimum was one of the Georgia Department of Education’s top legislative priorities for 2020.

Assessment has a place and a purpose, but the current measure, pressure, and punish regime of high-stakes testing required by state and federal law is excessive. It takes away from the ability of teachers to teach and students to learn.

I strongly support the legislation announced by Governor Brian Kemp today, which would lower the number and weight of high-stakes tests in Georgia and maximize time for instruction.

As a former teacher, and as someone who has spoken with hundreds of Georgia’s classroom teachers over the last five years, I believe so strongly that our students and teachers are worth more than the results of one test, taken on one day, during one school year. That’s what this legislation is about. We are responding to the persistent and urgent concerns raised by classroom teachers, students, and parents, who have been sounding the alarm about the negative impacts of excessive high-stakes testing for years. We are saying, loud and clear, that it’s the teacher, not the test, that makes a difference.

I am proud to partner with Governor Kemp and Senator P.K. Martin to address this critical issue head-on, and I thank them for hearing and acting upon the concerns raised by students, parents, and teachers.”