Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a letter to House Leadership urging them to take action to waive all federal testing standards for elementary and secondary schools during the Coronavirus crisis. President Trump announced today in his press conference that the standards will not be enforced during this unprecedented time, taking some of the burden off of schools. The Department of Education also announced it will continue to speak with state and local leaders to identify any additional needed flexibilities, and it remains in coordination with Congress on expanding the range of flexibilities available to the Department under law. Stefanik asked for additional flexibility in yesterday’s letter.
“I’m very encouraged by the President and the Department of Education’s announcement today that federal testing standards will not be enforced during this unprecedented crisis,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This decision takes some of the burden off of school leaders and districts, allowing them to focus on more pressing priorities during the coronavirus crisis. I will continue to work with the Department of Education and local school districts to provide additional flexibility so schools can respond quickly to the changing needs of their students during prolonged closures.”
