Maulsby said that Poudre School District will pilot a new type of test next year that could replace some existing tests given at the elementary schools. The tests, called Terra Nova, would be given in third and sixth grades and would give specific information about strengths and weaknesses of students. He said the Iowa tests will be phased out over the next two years and that levels tests, now used in grades three through six, could become optional for each school. Bob Kulovany, principal of the three mountain schools, has had previous experience with the Terra Nova tests and likes them. They are more specific about student weaknesses than the CSAP tests, he said, and he also thinks they're better than levels tests.
Some parents are also concerned about the current volume of testing in schools.
Chisesi fears that the current emphasis on testing will create an atmosphere in which only those subjects that can be measured have value. That's a lousy mindset, and the state is reinforcing it. He noted that some schools have already abandoned specials like art, music and physical education to focus solely on subjects measured by the state. CSAP concerns Some testing complaints center around aspects of the CSAP tests in particular. Maulsby said he has noticed more stress in students and teachers than he's seen before, primarily because of how CSAP scores will be used under Colorado's recently passed school reform bill.