Colorado ed board backs waivers for standardized tests

The Colorado State Board of Education says school districts should be able to opt out of part of a new round of standardized tests but it’s not clear it has the legal authority to allow that.

The board voted Thursday to back a measure allowing school districts to seek waivers from participating in the first part of new PARCC tests in English and math tests in March.

A representative from Attorney General John Suthers’ office told the board it likely wouldn’t have legal standing. The education department says it’s consulting with Suthers’ office about the measure.

The vote comes after many high school seniors refused to take other standardized tests in November and after at least two school districts have asked for permission to opt out of state tests.