text: Barry, 
  
  I would also add the absolute requirement that standardized tests MUST be validated prior to general use.  This includes three validations steps: 1) face validity, 2) content validity, and 3) predictive validity.  Without these validation steps such tests run the very great risk of being just a complete waste of time and money.  With regard to CSAP and PARCC I have yet to find one person in the Colorado education community who can address whether or not those testing schemes every went through a thorough validation process.  And, believe me, I have asked the question of dozens of people who should have known.