State Rep. Pamela Hornberger, chair of the House Education Committee, testified Tuesday in support of her measure to allow local school districts to opt out of certain standardized tests.

“There are more than enough required federal and state assessments for each grade, especially in high school, and they can be burdensome to our school districts,” Hornberger said. “The WorkKeys test is a valuable tool to assess career readiness for students pursuing CTE and pursuing careers in skilled trades, but it is not needed for all high school students and can be duplicative of other exams.”

Hornberger said she has spoken with school officials throughout Michigan who have indicated that they would prefer not to administer the WorkKeys test. Those who see value in the exam would not be prohibited from administering it and the test would remain funded by the state.

“This is about allowing schools to do what is best for their students,” Hornberger said. “No other state in the nation requires this test – making it optional just makes sense.”

House Bills 4037-38 remain under consideration by the House Education Committee.