A key piece here is we believe this was coming from the state anyway.

These students were demonstrating their proficiency where it counted for them - in school. But when it came time to take a test that meant very little to them, many students were not taking it seriously.

Each state has the autonomy or discretion to determine how they will measure whether their students are proficient. PSSA is Pennsylvania's answer.

I don't think it's worth it. We invested so much money, and all of a sudden, we met the opposition at the public hearing. I wish we had a public hearing first.

If a student gets his or her carpenter's license or cosmetology license, the state would consider them proficient with their trade.