SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A bill allowing 5% of South Dakota students an exemption from taking Common Core assessment tests advanced in the Senate Education Committee today.
Mary Scheel-Buysee with South Dakotans Against Common Core, and from Sioux Falls, says the assessment tests force the system to lose it's focus.
She referenced several occasions including one where a family made plans for a March vacation in December only to later learn that testing would take place right after the family returns.
South Dakota is one a consortium of 15 states, one territory, and the Bureau of Indian Education in the Smarter Balanced assessment system. These members determine how the system is developed and improved. They have the flexibility to use the system to meet their individual needs.
Secretary of Education Dr. Melody Schopp says South Dakota is deeply involved in Common Core testing.
Schopp says there are teachers from across the state who have not only written items for the test, they've been involved in the review of the test and made sure that it's appropriate for the state of South Dakota in its development.
The measure passed four to three and goes to the Senate.