Overtesting prompt parents, schools to 'opt-out' of standardized exams

WASHINGTON - A decade into the school accountability movement, pockets of resistance to standardized testing are sprouting up around the country, with parents and students opting out of the high-stakes tests used to evaluate schools and teachers.

Teacher judging to get stricter

In the fall, all Tucson-area school districts will start judging teachers more strictly based on how their students perform on standardized tests and other measures of student progress.

Brewer signs bill eliminating state AIMS test

PHOENIX - Calling it "an important part of improving education," Gov. Jan Brewer signed legislation Thursday to eliminate the AIMS test - including the graduation requirement - paving the way for something else to measure the new Common Core Standards already being implemented in Arizona schools.

Arizona House votes to end AIMS testing; Gov. Brewer likely to sign bill into law, aide says

PHOENIX - Arizona high schoolers may soon be rid of having to pass AIMS - or any standardized test - to graduate.

Streamlined student data is on the way for teachers

With its existing system for tracking and assessing student performance "on the verge of collapse," the state is preparing to launch a $35 million overhaul to make student records more usable for teachers.

Major test coming for kids in 3rd grade

Think high-stakes testing, and you're likely to conjure up images of stressed-out teenagers pulling all-night study sessions in a desperate attempt to graduate from high school.

Tucson-area schools preparing for tougher education standards

Tucson-area school districts are getting ready for the state's more rigorous new "Common Core" education standards - but preparation is proving to be an individualized rather than standardized process.

Academic standards to rise for AZ schools

More rigorous academic standards are coming to Arizona's public schools this year, but the transition, which some schools have already begun, will be difficult and expensive.

Area AIMS scores about level with 2011

A slight improvement in AIMS scores was seen this year across the state in all subject matters, according to test results made public Thursday.

State gives more Tucson schools 'A' rating; AIMS test scores released

An increase was seen this year in the number of Arizona schools that earned grades of "A," but overall, more than half were identified as "B" and "C" schools.

Scores on AIMS, school grades set for release today

Reports on how well Arizona schools performed last school year are due out today.

Free McDonald’s breakfasts for AIMS

McDonald’s restaurants statewide are inviting third- through eighth-graders taking AIMS to partake in a free breakfast today and Tuesday.

What you need to know about slimmer AIMS grants

Changes are coming to the Regents High Honors Endorsement, known as the AIMS scholarship, which covers tuition at Arizona universities for four years.