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Introduction

Standardized tests have long played a central role in U.S. K-12 and post-secondary education—used for everything from measuring student progress to informing school accountability and shaping college admissions. As we enter 2025, the landscape for standardized testing continues to shift in meaningful ways. From digital test delivery and evolving college admissions policies to declining student proficiency and renewed questions about equity, the changes matter deeply for parents, students, educators and schools.

This article examines the current state of standardized testing in 2025: how policies have changed, what recent performance data show, how colleges are responding, and what practical steps families and schools can take to navigate this evolving terrain. In particular, we reference authoritative sources including the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and federal education policy, and link to relevant resources—including one of our own reviews at Boarding School Review.

What We Mean by “Standardized Tests”

“Standardized tests” is a broad term that can refer to a variety of assessments administered under consistent conditions, with the goal of measuring student achievement or growth across different students, schools or jurisdictions. In K-12 settings this often includes state-level assessments (for example, in grades 3-8 and 11), diagnostic and interim assessments, and nationally-normed exams like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the ACT in the college admissions context.
These tests serve multiple functions: measuring what students know and can do, informing instruction, enabling comparisons across schools or states, supporting accountability systems and guiding admission or

How to Navigate Kindergarten Enrollment: What Parents Need to Know

Entering kindergarten is a major milestone for families. As we move into 2025, many districts have fine-tuned their enrollment procedures and deadlines. This article walks you through what parents need to know about kindergarten enrollment, from age cutoffs and required documents to readiness factors and expert tips for a smooth transition.

1. Why kindergarten enrollment matters early

Starting the process on time ensures you’ll secure a seat in your preferred school, meet deadlines, and avoid last-minute stress. With many districts opening registration early for the 2025-26 school year, it’s more important than ever for parents to act early.

For example, the Rochester Public Schools opened new-student enrollment for kindergarten for 2025-26 on December 1, 2024. Teachers, administrators and early-childhood experts agree that timely enrollment signals to families that the school is prepared and welcoming, and it allows time for transition activities such as screenings, orientation sessions and home visits.

2. Understand age eligibility and deadlines

One of the first tasks is confirming your child meets the age requirement for kindergarten in your area. Cut-off dates vary by state and district, so you’ll want to check the policy in your community. Here are common scenarios:

Understanding Public School Lotteries, Magnet Programs and Dual-Language Schools

When families explore public-school options beyond their neighborhood zone, three major pathways often appear: lotteries, magnet programs and dual-language schools. Although each mechanism has its own logic, they share a common aim: offering additional choice, access and educational enrichment within the public-school system. This article—current for 2025—explains how each works, what parents and students should know, and how to navigate the process effectively.

1. What is a public school lottery?

Why a lottery?

When demand for a certain program or school exceeds available seats, many school districts resort to a lottery system to allocate spots fairly and transparently. As one guide explains: “A school lottery is a process that districts use when more students apply for a program than there are available seats.”

The lottery serves multiple functions:

• It facilitates school-choice options within the public system (rather than strictly attending one’s zoned school).

• It helps districts manage capacity, maintain demographic balance and meet equity goals.

• It ensures the allocation process is not purely first-come, first-served (which may disadvantage families with fewer resources).

How does the lottery process work?

While specifics differ by district, most lotteries follow a similar outline:

1. Families submit an application listing one or several preferred schools/programs.

How Documentation and Paperwork Can Block Access to Public Schools

Access to public education is foundational in democratic societies. Yet increasingly, families — especially those who are low-income, transient, or immigrants — face a formidable barrier: documentation and administrative paperwork. From proof of residency to immunization records, paperwork requirements are intended to streamline enrolment but often end up blocking access to public schools for the very students who need them most.

In 2025 this issue remains pressing: districts are still requiring extensive documentation, and research continues to demonstrate how these requirements disproportionately affect vulnerable students. This article explores how documentation requirements act as gatekeepers, why they persist, what the legal landscape reveals, and what effective practices look like for ensuring equitable access to public schools.

The Role of Documentation in School Enrollment

When families attempt to enrol a child in a public school, the school typically asks for documentation such as:

• Proof of the child’s age (birth certificate or other valid record)

• Transcript or prior school records (for transfers)

• Immunization/health records

• Proof of district residence (utility bill, lease, affidavit)

• Guardianship or custody papers (if applicable)

• Valid photo ID of the enrolling adult

On their face, these make sense: districts have obligations for attendance boundaries, health and safety, and record-keeping.