HARRISBURG - A coalition that includes the state's largest teachers' union and the Pennsylvania Parent Teacher Association outlined an alternative to graduation competency tests that they said would more effectively measure performance.

The Coalition for Effective and Responsible Testing said a valid assessment should not depend on a single test score and that a student who fails its tests would not necessarily be prevented from getting a diploma.

Sen. Andy Dinniman of Chester County, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Education Committee, said a virtue of the alternative was that the testing would take place as a student takes a course, not in the years after. He urged a cautious approach.

"Before we embark on any testing program, let's first start small and make sure what we do works," said Dinniman.

In March, Pennsylvania school boards and education officials announced a compromise under which the boards would relinquish some control over locally designed graduation tests. The proposal requires approval by the State Board of Education.