Updated: 10:15 PM CST Mar 2, 2021 KOCO Staff Standardized testing was put on the backburner last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.This year, Oklahoma students will put pencil to paper once again.“It’s particularly important this year as we’re really setting a new baseline for where our students are and where we’re going to grow from this point in the future years,” State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said.The call to continue with testing despite the challenges of the pandemic comes from the federal level. Hofmeister said the spring assessments evaluate all students, including those from underserved communities or those in special circumstances.But the topic of testing comes with some criticism.“Here it is, coming in at the end of the year when we’re finally able to sustain some in-person learning,” said Shawna Mott-Wright, president of the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association. “That’s not diagnostic. That’s not going to make sense to the kids. Pointless.”Mott-Wright said in this abnormal year, the tests will be an inaccurate snapshot of students learning.The Oklahoma State Department of Education said the spring assessments are required, but officials understand circumstances may not allow all students to be tested.