NDP questions standardized testing plan

(CTV News Saskatoon)

The Opposition in Saskatchewan says the government's plan for standardized testing in schools doesn't make the grade.

New Democrat David Forbes questions why the province is spending $5.9 million on standardized testing when he says other jurisdictions are walking away from the practice.

Forbes says the testing diverts money from classrooms and teaching.

Education Minister Russ Marchuk says the tests will be a balanced approach to assessing student knowledge of the curriculum.

Some educators have started an online petition calling for Marchuk to stop plans for standardized testing in schools.

The petition says, among other things, that standardized tests often serve to further marginalize and push out students who are already vulnerable.