Educators, School Officials Weigh in on Executive Order to Suspend Standardized Testing

Gov. Rick Scott issued an executive order Tuesday to suspend a standardized test for Florida's 11th-graders, prompting state lawmakers to weigh in on the elimination of the Florida Standards Assessment English-language arts assessment.

The test was supposed to be given this spring.

"Governor Scott's executive order shows that he values feedback from Florida's teachers and parents and will take action necessary to ensure students are prepared for success," said State Board of Education Chair Gary Chartrand.

Chartrand was joined in his approval of Scott's executive order by various superintendents from across the state.

"Eliminating this unnecessary assessment is an important step to keep Florida at the forefront for public education," said Orange County School Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.

With the elimination of this test, teachers and parents can know that our first priority is ensuring students are provided with the time and resources needed to get a great education," said Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas.

"Commissioner Stewart's investigation confirmed what we've been hearing -- there is too much testing -- and I am pleased that the governor's executive order provides students, teachers, school administrators and parents relief from this non-essential assessment," saidFlorida Association of School Administrators Executive Director Juhan Mixon.