Md. Legislative Leaders Plan To Act On School Testing

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland legislative leaders say they plan to act this session on concerns that children are being tested too much in public schools.

Leaders of a commission said Tuesday they believe progress can be made in improving the administration of standardized tests.

Sen. Paul Pinksy is the vice chairman of the legislature's Commission to Review Maryland's Use of Assessments and Testing in Public Schools. He says he thinks action can be taken without losing another year for students.

Del. Eric Ebersole says lawmakers have identified some initiatives to advance this session. They focus on parental notification before and after testing and best practices to effectively use testing.

Lawmakers say they plan to apply for grants to develop innovative assessment options beyond standardized tests.