Eighth-grade algebra students in Texas will still need to sit for two math tests after the state’s request for more flexibility was turned down by federal education officials. The state wanted the ability to waive one of two standardized tests at that grade level but the feds, citing newly reduced testing requirements in House Bill 5, said they were concerned about the ability to evaluate student performance if they allowed the waiver. Local districts that go ahead with eliminating one of the tests now risk getting dinged on their federal accountability ratings. (Texas Public Radio)

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