Mom: Don’t Force Tests on Disabled

The State Board of Education this week heard a mother explain how standardized testing policies hurt her dying son and his teacher, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
 
Andrea Rediske challenged the board to stop forcing the exams on children incapable of being tested. Ethan Rediske, 11, had severe brain damage and cerebral palsy and died earlier this month. The teacher who visited him at home was required to administer the tests or face negative evaluations.
 
The Sentinel reports that state Rep. Karen Castor Dentel, D-Maitland, has filed a bill (HB 895) that would allow local school districts to determine if standardized testing was necessary.