Gov. Markell Vetoes Bill Allowing Delaware Students to Skip Tests

Gov. Jack Markell has vetoed a bill allowing Delaware's public school students to opt out of standardized tests.

The legislation would have allowed students to opt out of both statewide and district tests without repercussions. The bill was aimed at the Smarter Balanced Assessment, which is tied to Common Core standards that have been championed by Markell and are being adopted in Delaware and other states.

In vetoing the bill Thursday, Markell acknowledged concerns from some parents and educators about the need to reduce the amount of time students spend on tests.

But he said annual state tests provide important information on how students are doing. Markell said allowing students to opt out could marginalize the highest-need students, threaten millions of dollars in federal funding, and undermine Delaware's economic competitiveness.