PARCC test defended by State Board of Education

Posted on March 7, 2015

ISBE defends new test as one that will better examine skills of students. (Flickr/ccarlstead)

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – Although it's being criticized by some students and teachers, Illinois State Board of Education Spokeswoman Mary Fergus said the controversial PARCC exam will make students more prepared for the next grade and next step in their education.

"We all know it's important," said Fergus  "Employers, college professors, and presidents all say that we need students with stronger writing skills and more critical thinking. It really is a test that shows what's happening in the classroom under the new learning standards."

Fergus said many students graduate high school only to take remedial courses in college. She said the data from the test results will help teachers help students to be more prepared.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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