Letter to the Editor; Petition to ban pre-K to fifth grade standardized testing

To the Editor:

Washington’s (and America’s) youngest students need teaching and learning, not standardized testing. That’s why I am calling for a ban on standardized testing in pre-K through fifth grade.

Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade are vital years for developing students’ cognitive thinking, building their educational foundation and instilling a love of learning in them. Filling in bubble tests and causing them unwarranted stress will not accomplish any of these goals.

That’s why I am calling for a ban on standardized testing in pre-K through fifth grade.

Please urge the governor to place an immediate moratorium on such testing and to call on the State Legislature, the State Board of Education, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction of Washington to ban standardized testing in pre-K through fifth grade.

Duane Pitts

Moses Lake