From our principal: Here is our response to parents that want to opt out: It is not uncommon for some students to find testing to be stressful. However, it is important for parents and students to understand the Bethlehem Central School District is bound by the rules and regulations set forth by the New York State EducationDepartment (NYSED). NYSED requires the district to administer state assessments to all students in grades 3 through 8. As such, each student is required to be presented with the tests each time they are administered. Test security of these exams will require that students will remain in the exam rooms until testing is complete. The district is not obligated, nor does it have the resources available to create an alternate plan for students who refuse to take state tests. If a student does refuse a test when it is administered, he/she will be required to sit quietly while other students complete the exam. All students, including any that opt out, will be able to bring reading material into the exam room, but no one will be allowed to access those materials until all exams are completed and the teacher administering the exam gives the ok. It is important that we comply with test administration rules and regulations. A student who remains present for the duration of each testing period and refuses the exam will receive a score of ³999² or ³not valid² according to the rules set forth by the New York State Education Department.If a student is determined to be causing a distraction to other students during the test, they may be asked to leave the exam room and a building administrator would address any disruption issues. I hope you can understand the State and the District consider testing to be a part of our educational program. It provides an evaluation of student knowledge of content and skills in various courses of study, as well as helps to shape future instruction. While testing serves as a tool for evaluation, we routinely remind students that a test is simply one measure of performance. Bethlehem does not use these assessment as a determination in promotional decisions. We do our best to look at each student¹s unique qualities and strive to educate the whole child rather than focus on any one single measure. Like you, we do not want students to experience undue pressure or anxiety, and our school will do everything possible to create the most appropriate assessment environment for your child and his/her classmates. We only ask that all of our students, including your son/daughter, simply try to do their best on any exam. While the decision is ultimately yours to make with your child, please give some additional thought to our obligations as a public school district in the State of New York and our record of commitment to your children¹s education.\ Hope that helps! Oh yeah. Like not at all.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 11:17:43 +0000
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