Study set on how ending history test to change school grades

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Mississippi education officials want more study on how scrapping a required U.S. history test would affect Mississippi’s school ratings.

The state Board of Education on Thursday voted to study whether it’s possible to stop the test without changing scores used to assign A-to-F grades to schools and school districts. Changing scores is unpopular because the board might assign grades in a way that reduces A-rated schools and increases F-rated schools.

A state body previously voted to stop giving the history test. Students formerly had to pass exams in history, English, algebra and biology to graduate. Now, there are alternate routes to graduate, but some Mississippi students still don’t graduate because they fail one or more tests.

Teacher groups and others who say students are overtested are seeking the change.

(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)