In New Jersey, education officials have long warned about potential federal cuts if too many students refuse to take state tests. David Saenz, a spokesman for the state Department of Education, said the most recent federal communication about testing did not state anything new.
“This letter further reiterates what they have said all along and now that they have data, there are actions they plan on taking,” he said.
Some educators and test opponents, however, have dismissed the warnings as empty threats.
The letter “is intended to coerce states into bullying parents and students into compliance,” said Julia Sass Rubin, a volunteer with Save Our Schools NJ.
