Do Too Many Tests Undermine Learning? [AUDIO]

Kids will probably love this news, but parents might or might not be as thrilled. New legislation introduced in Trenton would limit the amount of tests a teacher in New Jersey could give to students.

The exams required by the state and federal governments would still have to be administered, but under the bill any additional tests would require prior approval.

"Under my legislation, if a school superintendent or board of education or teacher or principal decides that they want to do further testing than what is already required, they would have to appeal to the (state) commissioner of education for approval for those extra tests," said Assemblyman Dave Rible (R-Wall). "The classroom is just becoming a testing unit. It's just constant testing."

Student assessment is important, said Rible, but he is concerned that too much testing can be too stressful for kids and could actually hamper their ability to learn.

"I don't think we need to sit here and hammer these kids with test after test after test," Rible said. "It's very hard to be a kid today and now we're going to slam them with test after test. It's not fair."

The assemblyman is the parent of a public school student. He said he has seen firsthand the impact of too much testing. Rible explained that he wants to find a balance that lets schools prepare kids for future success, but also lets kids be kids.