The New York Performance Standards Consortium represents 28 schools across New York State. Formed in 1997, the Consortium opposes high stakes tests arguing that "one size does not fit all."

Despite skepticism that an alternative to high stakes tests could work, the New York Performance Standards Consortium has done just that...developed an assessment system that leads to quality teaching, that enhances rather than compromises our students' education. Consortium school graduates go on to college and are successful.

In the search for standards, many had hoped that high stakes tests were a way to ensure quality teaching and learning. Increasingly, the public is becoming aware that this approach hasn't worked, leading instead to an increase in dropouts, the decline of teacher professionalism and the trivializing of curriculum.

We invite others to join our effort to preserve and extend performance-based assessment.

Please feel free to contact us with any comments or suggestions at info@performanceassessment.org