Testing task force wants to hear what you think

The appointed task force that is studying K-12 testing in Colorado is going on the road to gather public opinions about the issue.

The series of roundtable discussions kicks off at 5:30 p.m. next Monday in the library of Denver’s North High School, 2690 N. Speer Blvd. It’s the only meeting scheduled in the metro area.

Some members of the task force will attend all the roundtables, and they’re interested in hearing comments on the elements of a statewide testing system, how to improve Colorado testing and about local district testing.

The 15-member Standards and Assessments Task Force was established by a 2014 law and is assigned to study the state’s testing system and develop recommendations for the 2015 legislative session. It has met three times, and the clock is ticking for the group, which for now has four more full meetings scheduled before the Jan. 31, 2015, deadline for a report and recommendations on what’s probably the most contentious issue in Colorado education today.

Seven other meetings are scheduled throughout the state from Oct. 22 to Nov. 13. Locations include Edwards, Colorado Springs, Loveland, Monte Vista, Grand Junction and Fort Collins. See the detailed list of times and locations here. The task force also is accepting public comment by email at 1202taskforcefeedback@gmail.com.

Learn more about the group in this recent Chalkbeat Colorado story, and get more information on the task force webpage.