Sonja Shaw, a Republican candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction, has called for the reinstatement of standardized tests, arguing they are crucial for improving education across all levels. Shaw faced off against her Democratic opponent, Richard Barrera, in their sole debate on Wednesday.
Shaw, who previously led a parent-led movement against what she described as "woke ideology and transgenderism" in the Chino Hills school district, asserted that standardized tests like the SAT help identify students capable of higher education and performing at required academic levels. She stated that without such tests, elite colleges are compelled to offer remedial courses to students unprepared for college-level work. Shaw's position aligns with over 1,000 UC professors who have reportedly advocated for the SAT's return.
In contrast, Barrera expressed opposition to standardized tests, claiming they exclude students from public higher education. He characterized his role as superintendent as an "organizer" focused on building coalitions and serving as a liaison between the state government and local districts. Barrera, who has the backing of teachers unions, also did not object to Governor Gavin Newsom's reduction of the superintendent's powers.
Shaw criticized Barrera's stance, suggesting he was a "patsy for the union leaders" and that Californians need a superintendent focused on improving results through accountability, rather than political maneuvering. She emphasized that core subjects like reading, writing, and math should be the primary focus of the state's schools. Additionally, Shaw stated her commitment to protecting female athletes from policies that allow biological males to compete against them, a position Barrera characterized as following the "Donald Trump playbook."
Shaw, who has a track record of improving test scores and stabilizing enrollment in her district, also highlighted the importance of parental notification policies regarding student gender identity. The article suggests that Shaw performed strongly in the debate, while Barrera's arguments were less effective, concluding that Shaw would have passed a hypothetical standardized test while her opponent would not have.