A state judge in Kentucky has ruled that the statewide testing program there does not violate the constitutional rights of a family that objected to its children’s required participation.
A circuit judge ruled last month against the claims made on behalf of Livingston County students Chad and Tracy Triplett that the tests violated their family’s freedom of religion, freedom of speech, right to privacy, and parental right to guide the upbringing of their children.
The Kentucky tests, the judge found, do not unduly promote environmentalism, animal rights, feminism, multiculturalism, socialism, negativism, humanism, or evolution, or cast religion in a negative light--arguments made by critics of the testing program.
Fewer Tests
The Minnesota state school board has dropped four of the seven proficiency tests the state’s high school students have to pass before they graduate.
The board last month dropped the exams in geography, science, health, and government because those subjects are not considered basic curriculum areas, said Michael Tillman, a member of the board.
Those subjects, however, should still be taught in high school, the state board noted.
The board will still require students to pass tests in reading, writing, and math before receiving a diploma.
