Standardized test for kindergarteners halted

State officials have decided to do away with a standardized test for kindergartners.

State Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart called a halt to Florida Assessments for Instruction in Reading last week.

Beth Barnes, the district’s testing coordinator, said costs involved in test administration included “instructional time” and paying substitutes to watch classes as tests were administered.

 Districts across the state had “experienced challenges” administering the computer testing due to “implementation of new technology,” Department of Education spokesman Joe Follick said.

FAIR was a diagnostic tool in grades K-2, not affecting grades or retention, Follick said, so Stewart decided to end it for this year.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Standardized test for kindergarteners halted