Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has circulated a letter to state education leaders advising them the the US Department of Education expects them to comply with standardized testing requirements regardless of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Politico reports.

While she said that the suspension of the K-12 testing in the spring was the “right call” because of the uncertainty of the coronavirus, DeVos said that skipping the testing this year was not an option.

“However, it is now our expectation that states will, in the interest of students, administer summative assessments during the 2020-2021 school year, consistent with the requirements of the law and following the guidance of local health officials,” DeVos wrote.  “As a result, you should not anticipate such waivers being granted again.”

Students, teachers, parents and administrators are struggling with reopening schools this fall as the coronavirus continues its spread throughout the United States.  Many schools that tried to open had to revert to remote learning because of new outbreaks.  Other schools have not yet opened for in-classroom lessons because states have held off opening to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Without reference, DeVos claimed that “opponents of reform, like labor unions” have called for the permanent elimination of testing.  Citing a survey from a data-advocacy group, DeVos stated that parents demand data to check on the progress of their children and the efficacy of the school.

DeVos’s order, however, would not apply to those schools already exempt from state testing requirements.