Anaheim school district cancels ID branding based on test scores

The Anaheim Union High School District said Thursday it’s immediately axing a student rewards program that color-coded student IDs based on their performance on standardized tests.

Students at Kennedy High School in La Palma and at Cypress High received black, gold or white student ID cards this year. Black and gold ones went to those who did well on state academic tests. The students who did poorly got white ones. School officials gave holders of black and gold cards discounts and privileges that those with white cards didn’t receive. Students with white ID cards had to use a slower cafeteria lunch line.

School officials say the incentive program motivated students to boost their test scores. Some people claim the system led to harassment for of the low-performing students with white ID cards.

State education officials told the Orange County Register that color-coding is illegal because it reveals test scores that are supposed to be confidential. State assemblyman Jose Solorio, who represents the area, called for an end to the program.

A spokeswoman for the Anaheim Union High School District said the program’s possible illegality factored into its cancellation. She said school administrators want to find another way to reward students who’ve done well on standardized tests.