Back to FairTest home page. See other fact sheets. See other advocacy resources. The misuse of standardized tests to make important decisions about students is a growing phenomenon in districts and schools across the nation.
Many districts require students to pass tests to be promoted to the next grade.
A quick primer on the harmful effects of grade retention, alternative practices, and the problems with using tests to make promotion decisions. Print or download. The ARN is providing assistance to six specific local communities as they confront a wide range of issues in assessment reform. Below are summaries of experiences in two public school districts, Boston, Massachusetts and Chicago, Illinois, that have recently implemented new promotion policies. Links to research and materials are included below.