Assemblywoman Elizabeth Maher Muoio (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) is calling on the Department of Education (DOE) to suspend the new high school graduation requirements that rely heavily on PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) test results.
In a letter sent to DOE Commissioner David Hespe this week, Muoio detailed her concerns over the last minute changes to graduation requirements, particularly amidst the unreliable rollout of the PARCC testing system.
In her letter, Muoio noted, “Considering the controversy that surrounded the roll out and administration of the PARCC testing last year, including the number of parents and educators who challenged the preparation and implementation of the testing, it is difficult to understand why the Department would rush to incorporate these new requirements. Surely a more measured approach to such a significant change would have allowed for an easier transition for students, parents and educators, as well as ample time for these stakeholders to render feedback to the DOE regarding the process or prepare for appropriate appeals.”
Muoio urged DOE to swiftly withdraw the new graduation requirements, echoing the sentiments of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, which passed a resolution earlier this year urging DOE to do the same.
A full copy of Muoio’s letter to DOE can be viewed here.