Children's Defense Fund

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September 16, 2004  
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Ron Eckstein: (202) 662-3609
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Children's Defense Fund Calls on President Bush to
Oppose Federally-Mandated Exit Exams

Washington, D.C. President Bush recently called for exit exams for all high school students despite contradictory statements by his own campaign. In response, the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) urged the President to clarify his position and actively oppose the implementation of this unwise, high-stakes testing proposal. Instead of mandating exit exams, we should ensure that all children have the resources they need to succeed in high school and rely on a broader range of academic indicators in measuring high school students achievement.

"Everyone wants to see our education system improve," said Jill Morningstar, Co-Director of Education and Youth Development at CDF. "But if the current testing policy is adopted nationally, we will see higher dropout rates, higher rates of student disengagement, and an inordinate amount of classroom time spent preparing for the exit exam—especially for low-income minority youth. This is the wrong direction for Americas students."

Professional standards for educational testing, test publishers, and an overwhelming body of research suggest that a single test should not be the sole determinant when making important decisions about students.Over-reliance on a single test in academic settings can have a significant negative effect on learning, and all children need to be provided with the same opportunity to learn the material covered on assessments before they are punished for not passing them.

True reform is in jeopardy if students are not given the tools they need to succeed. Morningstar noted that at the same time that the President is proposing to require more testing, he is under-funding his own No Child Left Behind Act by $9.4 billion.

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The mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby, or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor and minority children and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investment before they get sick, into trouble, drop out of school, or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations. We have never taken government funds.

 
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