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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Joint Statement from Senator Orie and Rep. Saylor On Alternative Graduation Tests - aka Keystone Exams 2.0HARRISBURG – State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) and Representative Stan Saylor (R-94) today issued the following joint statement regarding the Coalition for Effective & Responsible Testing’s alternative to the Department of Education’s high school graduation tests now dubbed the “Keystone Exams.” The Coalition, led by Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), school administrators and local PTAs, called for a new dialogue with the Rendell Administration. “We appreciate that the coalition has kept the dialogue open concerning the need for these high-stakes exams. However, at a time when our state is facing a $2.6 billion and growing deficit, we believe there is no need for these additional, costly tests. The last thing that we need in this budget is new spending. “Why are any additional tests necessary? Our goal should be to teach, not test. First, students do not need another test. The Commonwealth needs to strengthen its classroom teaching first – in a coordinated way. We should start with the early grades and then build on that knowledge and experience. “Secondly, schools already are using Algebra I and II end of course exams as part of the multi-state coalition begun several years ago through Achieve. Before spending anymore, why not see how these exams work? “Any assessment systems we consider should be used to measure performance of students as they move through the education system and identify solutions for improving student, teacher and school performance prior to graduation. In order to do that, we need to step back and take a look at what is happening and what we need to happen for our children. “We look forward to working with all interested parties to improve the quality of our student’s education. It is important to note that that this Governor will soon be leaving office and the next administration should not have their hands tied should with new mandates and new costs.”
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