Teachers' Union: Students Taking Too Many Tests

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- On the day before most Minnesota kids go back to school, the state's largest teachers' union is arguing that there are too many standardized tests.

Education Minnesota released a report Monday on the challenges Minnesota public schools are facing.

State legislators have been considering changing the way tests are done here.

The teachers' union recommends that students start taking the MCAs in 5th grade, rather than 3rd grade.

It also recommends that schools reduce the amount of time students are made to take tests.

The report says changes in student test scores are only one measure of quality teaching.

Education Minnesota says they talked with classroom teachers, teaching coaches, testing specialists and students to prepare its report.