DeKalb School Tests Moved to Avoid Religious Holidays

DeKalb County Schools has rescheduled a series of tests that were conflicting with religious holidays after parents raised concerns over the calendar.

This year’s administering of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills was originally set for Sept. 9 - 25, but the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah is being celebrated from Sept. 13 - 15. Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, is being celebrated from sundown on Sept. 22 to nightfall on Sept. 23.

Jewish parents sent a letter to the school board, stating that parents and students would have to choose between violating their religious customs or properly preparing for the exams, WSB-TV says.

The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) has been moved back to Sept. 9, 10, 11, 16, 18, and 21, reports WSB-TV. The Cognitive Abilities Test will be held on Oct. 5-7. The school district said in a statement that it was responsive to parents’ concerns by moving the tests so they don’t conflict with any religious holidays.