Redondo Beach: CLAS Test Dispute

Redondo Beach school officials continue to refuse to administer a portion of the controversial CLAS test, despite protests from state officials.

The school board voted May 9 not to administer the English and writing portions of the California Learning Assessment System test to eighth- and 10th-graders. Students are taking other parts of the test.

Board members have not stated publicly their concerns with the exam’s English and writing portions. Redondo Beach is one of six school districts in the state to refuse to administer all or part of the test.

In a May 18 letter to the school board president, Acting State Supt. William D. Dawson urged the board to reconsider its decision.

“The (state school) board and I both believe the decision violates the law,” Dawson wrote. “Although I do not relish the thought, the department will pursue whatever action is possible . . . if you refuse to give the 1994 CLAS tests.”

Redondo Beach school board attorney Joan Birdt said Wednesday that the district is preparing a response to the state. The board will probably discuss the issue at its next meeting on June 6, she said.

The exam is mandated by the Legislature as part of an effort to improve public schools.

Critics say the portions of the exam designed to judge writing and reading comprehension are more psychological than academic and invade student privacy.

Supporters say the tests engage students in interesting and provocative reading material and prompt them to write passionately and with conviction.