The best part is, PA requires both - portfolios reviewed by “certified teachers” every year, and tests in at least 3rd, 5th and 8th grades. We took ITBS. They also required a log showing all work done on a daily basis for at least 180 instructional days per year. That was a pain.
I think Iowa’s not much better. How I’d love to live in a state with a test-only or even no-report regulations when it comes time.
Personally, I'm extremely skeptical about that...one of the former HSINOs I know showed up in my classroom one year with no previous school records other than a statement by a "certified teacher" that the child's portfolio had been reviewed by said teacher, and the student was doing a "great job!"
The student was working far below grade level, and I think failed every academic class that year. I'm not sure what that certified teacher reviewed, or what grade level/subject the teacher was certified in. An ITBS score or two would have given me some idea what the student's academic strengths and weaknesses were, however.
They also required a log showing all work done on a daily basis for at least 180 instructional days per year. That was a pain.
That does seem like a pain, and largely unnecessary.