We are just starting common core testing and our state is using PARCC. Got a look at the practice tests and love it, love it, love it. Finally after years of tests being made with a low bar so everyone can clear it, and everyone who clears it appears equally capable, the PARCC tests
http://practice.parcc.testnav.com/# (link to practice tests)
take thought, attention to detail, and a real knowledge of the subject. I can see why they predict a high failure rate for these tests. They are NOT easy. I wonder if these tests will endure, if they will set the passing score low, or how they will get the kids to pass. I guess time will tell. But for now, it's a good start (at least for Alg 1, Geom, alg 2-- the ones I looked at).
I especially hope that it separates the kids at the top.
