THE PROS:

Makes teachers accountable – PARCC will provide a direct means of gauging and improving classroom performance.
Problem-solving skills – The tests will require skills that colleges and employers demand, including the ability to think critically and apply knowledge rather than just memorize facts.

College Readiness – Some 800 colleges, including many in New Jersey, helped create the test, ensuring that students will graduate from high school ready for college and careers.
Student Assessment – PARCC will help teachers and parents identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, and whether additional instruction is needed.

Interactive – The test is less reliant on multiple-choice and features new question types.

Flexibility – Shorter testing periods mean schools do not have to shut down for testing. Teachers and students, who are not testing, can be in class.

Efficiency – Schools do not have to spend as much time or as many resources to administer the tests as they did with paper exams.

Common Core – The information base underlying the PARCC tests creates equal and uniform standards for students across the country. New Jersey children and their teachers will be better able to compare their performance with that of students across U.S.

Money – The test ties into Race to the Top program and performance could equate to dollars for New Jersey education.