CMC Official Position Statement on Testing 

Adopted May, 2001 
 
The California Mathematics Council supports responsible assessment and accountability and calls for ending the use of a single test for high-stakes decisions that result in rewards and sanctions in California. We oppose the use of a single measure to determine the future of a child, teacher, administrator, or school. A responsible assessment system provides multiple measures of students’ understandings and academic progress for the purpose of improving instruction and informing parents and the community. 
 
The current use of high-stakes tests interferes with children’s learning of mathematics by
  • Narrowing the curriculum to what is on the test; 
  • Reducing the amount of time available for instruction; 
  • Causing teachers to teach to the test rather than for understanding; 
  • Emphasizing memorization and speed instead of understanding and thinking; and 
  • Creating undue anxiety among students. 
No single measure should determine whether a child is promoted or graduates. No single measure should determine whether a teacher is retained or is the recipient of monetary compensation. No single measure should be used to judge the educational program of a school or the quality of the staff. 
 
Therefore, the California Mathematics Council calls for an end to the use of a single test to make high-stakes educational decisions about children, teachers, administrators, or schools. The California Mathematics Council supports the development of multiple assessment methods that are valid and reliable for the purposes for which they are designed and that provide useful information about students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and their ability to solve mathematical problems. Students must be provided with multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency and there must be appropriate accommodations for students with special needs and for English language learners. 
 
Mike Contino 
Executive Secretary 
California Mathematics Council 
Teachers, Administrators, and Parents 
Dedicated to Quality Mathematics Education 
PO Box 880 
Clayton CA 94517-0880 
888-CMC-MATH 
www.cmc-math.org 
CMC is an Affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics