A bill that would eliminate a key component of the state’s Common Core curriculum — passing proficiency tests to graduate from high school — was introduced Wednesday [May 28] by Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D., Chester), his third attempt to send the tests to the back of the class. Critics have argued that the tests represent an unfunded mandate for school districts and penalize students from underprivileged schools. Dinniman, co-chairman of the Senate Education Committee, has also sought funding for districts to administer the tests, and to limit the test subjects to biology, algebra and language arts. Acting State Education Secretary Carolyn Dumaresq has said she would not increase the number of tests for the time being.

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Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, Kathy Boccella, Inquirer Staff Writer, posted May 28, 2014.