PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The president of the National Education Association, Rhode Island, called for fresh public discussion of the state's high-stakes test, the NECAP.
"NEA Rhode Island has always supported the use of multiple measures and this is no different," NEARI President Larry Purtill said. "There is nothing wrong with testing to measure student growth and to improve instruction. But one test ... should not be the sole measure for graduation. One size does not fit all, and one measure does not indicate success or mastery. Each student's individual learning style must be considered when evaluating his/her mastery of subject matter.
"Personally, I believe the NECAP should be revisited immediately with an open process and discussion," he said in a statement. "This issue impacts thousands for life and just because it was recently revised doesn't mean it shouldn't be looked at again in light of many new concerns. What message are we sending young people if we shut them out?"
Purtill made his comments in response to a 6-to-5 vote by the Board of Education Monday that denied a request by the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union to open up the NECAP to public debate. The test is now linked to high school graduation. Purtill is a member of the board.