Newsom Executive Order Suspends K-12 Standardized Testing Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued an Executive Order to suspend standardized testing for students due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, which has caused schools across the state to temporarily shut down.

Newsom’s order (.pdf) waives this year’s statewide testing for California’s more than 6 million K-12 students.

“This time is stressful enough for students, families and educators without the additional burden of annual testing,” Newsom said in a statement.

“This is an unprecedented time, and our main focus is on supporting the mental and socioemotional health of students, while continuing to provide educational opportunities such as distance learning,” he said.