Top-Secret Testing!

Shhh... the high school tests that the NJ DOE is contracting out are apparently a matter of national security:

The new high school testing is also on the way, although its details are a closely guarded secret. The budget outline said that the $1.7 million would go toward implementation of “five new end-of-course exams,” presumably similar to the subject tests that the state has tried with biology and algebra.

Department spokesman Justin Barra said they would be part of a nationwide testing initiative known as the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) that the Christie administration has signed on to, including the extensive use of online and multiple testing in each grade. It is unclear whether the state would go beyond PARCC testing for high schools, though, since that program only includes tests in language arts and mathematics.

Schools are waiting for the release of a report from a task force appointed by Christie last fall to look at high school graduation requirements and how they can better meet the skills needed for college and career. The task force was headed by Cerf’s chief of staff, David Hespe, and following several public hearings and discussions, it filed its report at the end of the past year. The report has yet to be released to the public. [emphasis mine]

Lord help us if this highly sensitive information gets out! Why, people might actually begin to question the logic of dumping a bunch of new tests on already over-tested students. Can't have that, can we?

David Hespe, NJ DOE Chief of Staff, reporting for duty!