Spring tests optional for KPS students

Kalamazoo Public Schools will not force its students to take standardized tests this spring.

State education officials had requested a waiver from the federal government to allow the state to bypass requirements for spring testing. That was denied.

Despite that, state leaders said they had no way to force students – especially those not attending classes in person – to take the tests. Standardized tests must be administered in person.

KPS plans to offer the tests, which are given to students in third through ninth grades and 11th grade.

“KPS has developed a plan with our safety protocols in place for testing in select buildings during the allowed testing window,” said superintendent Rita Raichoudhuri in a statement. “The testing site for your child will be determined by the number of students who register to take the test.”

Interested families have until midnight on April 18 to register for their students’ tests.

You can read more on MLive.