Hampton Township School District administration has made it clear that they're opposed to the state's proposed graduation exams.

In September, the State Board of Education recommended that students take a host of new standardized exams on top of the already state-mandated Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests.

"The state is talking about adding 12 additional composition tests," said Dr. Jo Welter, assistant superintendent. "School districts all over the place are opposed to it."

The board will vote this month on a resolution to send to the state that informs them of the district's opposition.

Welter presented the board with a sample of what the resolution would look like. The resolution states arguments against the proposal, like the fact that the students are already taking the PSSA tests and that there shouldn't be an assumed disconnect between those tests and proficiency.

Another big issue that districts face is the cost of implementing multiple new tests. There is currently no plan for the state to help fund the new exams, but the districts would still be required to use them.

"It's extremely expensive," Welter said.

Perhaps the biggest argument against more standardized testing is that "pencil and paper test scores should never be the determining factor in making major decisions about students," the resolution reads.

It says the granting of a diploma should be based on coursework, tests, presentation, projects and papers throughout a student's career.

Board vice president Gail Litwiler said if the administration recommends the board oppose the new exams, she is all for it.

Welter said the current PSSA testing helps district officials recognize on an early basis which students may need more help.

"The kids with low PSSA scores get an enormous amount of additional tutoring," she said.

"Tests don't make kids smarter."