Illinois to Break Federal Education law: State Science exams for 3 grades axed in spring testing

The Chicago Tribune reports:

In the latest drama over school testing in Illinois, the longtime state science exams for fourth-, seventh- and 11th-graders have been cut from the lineup of spring exams — even though they're required by federal law.

The tests covering everything from matter and energy to Earth and space have become outdated, according to state education officials, and students shouldn't be tested on old science standards.

But the move has disturbed some science educators and put Illinois in conflict with the federal government at a time when tensions continue over Chicago Public Schools' refusal to give new state reading and math exams to most students.

A front page story in the Chicago Tribune today. Hopefully this will be the beginning of the end of federal involvement in education. At least we can dream. Stay tuned because the Eric Holder types at the Justice Department might just let Illinois get away with whatever they want. It's called a "waiver" among overpaid government bureaucrats.