Minnesota schools review standardized tests as students opting out of them climb

Minnesota is reviewing its statewide school testing program as many students skip the exams meant to show how they are doing in class.

Last month, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported as many as 60% of students are opting out or not showing up for reading tests and almost 75% are skipping math tests.

The Minnesota Department of Education is using a 28-member task force made up of school officials, private groups and students to look at how the tests work and whether they show student performance accurately.

Like many parents, Julicia Dembry said she wants clear information about how her 8-year-old daughter Myla is doing in school.

“I’m guessing just to see where she’s actually at, like level-wise, whether she’s at a third-grade level, second-grade level, things like that,” said Dembry, from Minneapolis. “More t...