PROVIDENCE, R. I. -- The Rhode Island House Health, Education and Welfare Committee has joined its Senate counterparts in approving a resolution urging the state Board of Education to delay using the NECAP as high school graduation requirement.
Although the resolution is non-binding, it signals growing opposition to using of the New England Common Assessment or NECAP as a high-stakes test. Starting with a Providence student group this winter, more and more people have objected to linking graduation to performance on a test, saying it will disproprotionately hurt urban, minority and special needs students.
State Board of Education Chairwoman Eva-Marie Mancuso said recently that she is open to having a discussion about the NECAP, although she thinks that students should be tested to determine their preparation for college or work.