Rep. JA Moore Calls on SC Superintendent to Waive Standardized Testing Regardless of US Dept.’s Decision

JA Moore

As the 2020-2021 school year approaches, Rep. JA Moore (D-Berkeley) is calling on State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman to waive standardized testing regardless of whether or not the US Department of Education approves of it.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted our education system,” Rep. Moore stated in a letter to Superintendent Spearman on Tuesday. “Forcing our students to take tests that require a great deal of preparation and have significant ramifications is not in their best interest.”

Last month, the state legislature approved a measure that directed the South Carolina Department of Education to submit a request for a standardized testing waiver for the upcoming school year, which Superintendent Spearman completed. Rep. Moore is pushing Superintendent Spearman to waive testing whether or not the request receives approval.

Rep. Moore argues that under current conditions, standardized tests would be detrimental to South Carolina’s students and teachers. He stated that the State Department of Education is more qualified to make the decision rather than the federal government.