Calif. to Unveil New Student Testing System

Focus on testing "analysis and problem-solving skills," as though schools actually teach that now.

California's students may not have so many "bubbles" to fill in on state standardized tests in the future.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson was slated Tuesday to unveil a proposal for a system of student achievement testing that is expected to emphasize critical thinking skills over choosing the best answer under a multiple choice method.

Torlakson's proposal was culled from the recommendations of a task force that studied new testing methods for six months last year under a mandate from the state Legislature. The goal is to have testing reflect the analysis and problem-solving skills that are stressed under the new national curriculum known as Common Core State Standards, which is being rolled out across California.