Final rules for K-12 standardized testing released

WASHINGTON (AP) — Aiming to reduce test-taking in America's classrooms, the Obama administration released final rules Wednesday to help states and school districts take a new approach to the standardized tests students must take each year.

The idea is to focus more time on classroom learning and less on teaching-to-the test — something critics complained the administration had encouraged with grants and waivers that placed too much of a focus on standardized testing.

The rules released Wednesday clarify that replacement tests must provide the same benefits to all students, including English learners and students with disabilities.

Eighth grade students taking advanced math, such as Algebra 1, would take just one test — the Algebra 1 exam and not the regular eighth grade math assessment.