We, like many parents and educators, have our doubts about the value of standardized tests.

But we have no doubt about the importance of clarity and consistency to teachers, parents, school administrators, and students.

School life can be stressful enough for everyone involved, and any confusion about what to expect, what you’re working toward, only makes things harder.

That’s exactly what the state and federal government are doing to schools and families as they debate whether schools should be required to administer standardized tests during the coronavirus pandemic.

The state requested a waiver to federal testing requirements. The feds denied that request. But then the state said it would craft another request, this time asking for more flexibility on exactly what type of test should count toward the federal requirement and who has to take it.

With just three months left of the school year, this is no time for ambiguity.

We encourage our state and federal leaders to get their ducks in a row and quickly so schools and families can know what’s ahead.