To the Pennsylvania Board of Education,
We, the undersigned students, parents, educators, and community members, respectfully call for meaningful reform of standardized testing requirements across Pennsylvania schools.
Currently, standardized testing places a significant burden on students by requiring extended testing periods across multiple days. These tests often prioritize memorization over real understanding and do not fully reflect the diverse skills students need for success in college, careers, and life.
We are advocating for the following changes:
1. Reduce Testing Time
Standardized tests should be shortened to limit excessive stress and fatigue. Long testing sessions can negatively impact student performance and well-being.
2. Decrease the Number of Testing Days
Testing should be consolidated into fewer days to minimize disruption to learning and reduce anxiety for students.
3. Implement Multi-Skill Assessments for Graduation Requirements
Graduation requirements should reflect a broader range of student abilities. We propose incorporating assessments that evaluate critical thinking, creativity, communication, and real-world problem-solving skills—not just standardized test scores.
Why This Matters:
Students are more than a single test score. A more balanced and fair system will better prepare students for future success while supporting their mental health and engagement in school.
We urge the Pennsylvania Board of Education to take these concerns seriously and work toward a more effective, equitable, and student-centered approach to assessment.
Sign this petition to support smarter, fairer education policies for all Pennsylvania students.
Sincerely,
Students fighting for this change
