[Weekly EdNews Round Up] The Time Crunch on Standardized Testing

No one knows better than educators about the importance of staying up-to-date. In Edmentum’s Weekly News Round Up, you’ll find the latest and most interesting education news, all in one place.

For many of us, just hearing the words “standardized test” can mentally trigger the rhythmic taunting sound of a clock counting down the minutes. Timing has become a huge part of standardized test taking, and in the recent college admissions fraud scandal, parents exploited extra-time accommodations to give their kids the upper hand while testing. But do tests really need a time limit? Read this story and more in this week’s EdNews Round Up!

The Time Crunch on Standardized Tests Is Unnecessary
The Atlantic
The allegedly fraudster parents in the cheating scandal exploited extra-time accommodations. Could slowing down tests for everyone make them fairer?

The Trickle-Down Effect of Technology on High School Sports
EdTech
As students’ lives become increasingly digital, so too must high school sports programs.

What Trump's Student Loan Forgiveness Plan Means For You
Forbes
President Trump released a 10-point plan to reform the Higher Education Act, which is the primary legislation that governs higher education. The Trump Administration believes that previous regulations increased the cost of college and student loan debt.

The Best Defense Against Cyberattacks, From a District CTO
EdWeek
Melissa Tebbenkamp, the director of instructional technology for the Raytown Quality Schools near Kansas City, says her district's biggest cybersecurity risk is "ourselves."

Sen. Kamala Harris Pushes to Boost Teacher Pay
U.S. News
The Democratic presidential candidate is differentiating herself from other front-runners with a sweeping education plan.

The Latest: DeVos defends cutting Special Olympics funding
Associated Press
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is defending her proposal to eliminate funding to the Special Olympics. DeVos said Wednesday that she “loves” the Special Olympics’ work but argues “the federal government cannot fund every worthy program.”

Education policy is often a topic of conversation in state and federal legislatures. Stay in-the-know with this week’s top stories regarding education reform.

The 50 States of Education Policy: A breakdown of governors' State of the State addresses
Education Dive
With nearly all 50 governors having delivered their 2019 speeches, we analyzed what they said about K-12 education and what it means for potential policies.

DeVos Says Trump Budget Means 'Freedom' in Education; Democrats Call It 'Cruel'
EdWeek
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and Democrats, who now control the House, spent much of a Tuesday appropriations hearing talking over and past each other as they sparred over charter school spending, students' civil rights, and the $7.1 billion in cuts President Donald Trump wants in federal education funding.

Oregon readies launch of student database ten years in the making
EdScoop
Oregon officials announced last week that development of a statewide analytical database has been completed, and can soon be used by researchers and policymakers after quality, accuracy and security tests are conducted.

California Legislators Weigh Strict Limits on Cellphones in Schools
Education Dive
California school districts would have to develop policies that restrict or ban students from using their cellphones at school, with a few exceptions, under new a being considered by the California legislature.

Nevada state superintendent chosen
The Nevada Independent
Gov. Steve Sisolak has appointed Jhone Ebert, a senior deputy commissioner with the New York State Education Department and former Clark County School District administrator, as his new superintendent of public instruction.