One the Eve of the NY State Assessments, I am so relieved to hear that so many children in my district will be refusing the state tests. When I made my decision to have my children refuse these tests I thought theyd be alone. I knew of about 5-10 kids whose parents were also choosing to refuse these tests but their children were not in the same classes as my kids. The numbers are skyrocketing. Ive received so many messages, texts and emails in the past 72 hours. The reason why my family has chosen to refuse these tests is to prompt real change in the state Ed department. Long Island opt out data indicates well over 5,000 students in Nassau and Suffolk alone will be refusing these tests. Its incredible. I was so relieved by the response of my childrens principals who have set a plan in place for children who will not be tested. Elementary students will have a meaningful activity to do and Middle School students can read. We have come so far from our sit and stare days. Parents are not refusing because they think their children wont perform well. I think my kids would do fine on the test. They are refusing because the department of education refuses to listen to parents, educators and even politicians regarding education reform. Greedy corporations found a way to make big bucks by tapping into education. The tests are not useful or valid. Teachers can not see their students test or answers and learn from them. Last years test contained trademarked logos and practically advertised products like A & W root beer and Legos. Class sizes have sky rocketed. Our district is making major cuts. We are discussing losing all middle school sports, cutting kindergarten , cutting music and the arts, laying off another 20 plus teachers all the while spending major money on Common core aligned curriculum , text books, workbooks, etc. Common Core has never been tried or tested. Our kids are guinea pigs. The Commissioner of education stated we will know in 6 years if it works. My son is in. 6th grade. He doesnt have 6 years for a trail and error education. He used to love to read, one of his favorite books was the Lightening Thief. As a part of our new Common core aligned ELA work he was excited to hear they would begin reading the Lightening Thief in his classroom until they beat the book to death. He has been reading the same book In school since September or October. They have taken a good book and beat it to death so bad that he never wants to read it or discuss it again. Refusing is a personal decision for all parents and my decision was not made lightly and came from an informed place. I researched and researched then researched some more but in the end, the day before assessments begin, I am more at peace with my decision then I thought I would be and Im so grateful I am not alone.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:22:54 +0000
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