Regarding assessment, they are absolutely separate things. I agree that PARCC testing seems to have some serious flaws, and that a computerized testing system brings up a lot of technical and practical concerns. But PARCC testing is a choice made by certain states. NY common core testing, while certainly not perfect, is not online or computerized (at least not in our district), does not use only multiple choice (indeed, there is a lot of writing required) and is not done here for the high school courses (read- those with AP exams) until June. There are problems with that timeline, as well, but not the time conflicts pointed out by those protesting the PARCC tests.
