parent opting her child out of testing: Jennifer AnneStop Common Core in Alabama 6 hrs · . My opt out letter for my daughter this year. { Dr. Tommy Bice/ Mr. Robbie Owen/ Mrs. Dana Bottoms} I realize schools are mandated to administer standardized tests, but (and this is a “but” that must be carefully considered), there is also no statutory or other requirement forcing Alabama public school students to participate in standardized testing. Below is the memo Dr. Bice sent to all schools and school districts, followed by the Alabama Administrative Codes from the Department of Education that show it to be a fallacy. Dr. Bice’s Memo This memo from state superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice, dated April 16, states: Over the past several weeks our office has received inquiries from the field regarding parents requesting their child(ren) to opt out of our state-approved summative assessments. There is currently no such option available in our state according to Alabama law and the Alabama Administrative Code 290-4-2-.01. If any parents makes an opt-out request, please provide them with the above statement and a copy of the attached code citation. Should a student be absent on the days of testing, please apply the current criteria for determining the correct coding for that absence, based on the attached definitions for excused and unexcused absences. Should you be challenged by a parent, please refer them to my office for a response at 334-242-9704. Well. Okay. Here’s section 290-4-2-.01 of the Alabama Administrative Code, regarding the Student Assessment Unified Coordinated Statewide Testing Program: (1) The policy of the Alabama State Board of Education is to have a unified, coordinated state testing program. (2) Alabama’s Student Assessment Program is a system of assessments that measures the knowledge and abilities of students in Alabama’s public schools for the following purposes: (a) To provide information to educators and parents regarding the educational strengths and weaknesses of individual students. (b) To provide information to assist local and state educational personnel in reviewing and planning for instructional and curricular improvements. (c) To provide information to iocal and state educational personnel, policy makers, and the general public regarding the educational performance of Alabama’s students. (3) The Alabama State Board of Education shall choose the tests to be used, grades to be administered, and when chosen tests shall be administered. (4) All students must be provided the opportunity to participate in the state testing program. See 290-040-020.03 for specific procedures regarding students of special populations. In recent years, there has been a growing movement of supporters, myself included, who believe that standardized testing is detrimental to their child’s education and public education. As a result, we are deciding to do what is in our childs best intrest and “opt out” of standardized testing. Other states have offered (or folks have figured out) a way to officially “opt out” of the standardized testing requirements. In Georgia, one family was met by a policeman when they arrived to speak with their daughter’s principal about their desire to opt out. The most frightening part of the Georgia experience is where the policeman tells the mother and father that since they are attempting to oppose what the school is trying to do, they are kinda trespassing. Say what? If you don’t go along with everything the school wants you to do…..you’re trespassing? Also, in Huntsville, a 14 year old student was suspended TWICE for standing by her beliefs and her familys decision to not participate in any tests or assessments that are CCSS or aligned with CCSS. To say that this is reaching a boiling point is to underestimate the fortitude of those fighting against standardized testing. Just as last year I will be opting my child out of all CCSS tests and assessments. Friday, November 14, 2014 My 2014-2015 Refusal Letter Please note that my family has boycotted the state assessments and tests last year and will continue to do so. Dear: Dr. Tommy Bice/ Mr. Robbie Owen/ Mrs. Dana Bottoms I am writing on behalf of Elizabeth Grace Nolan, to refuse the Alabama State Assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics this spring as well as all Global Scholar, Star, and any other assessments aligned with CCSS. As I have expressed numerous times in the last year, my family is very concerned about the direction of education in our state. The increase in mandated standardized testing is having a significant negative educational impact on children and contributes to the financial crisis facing districts across Alabama. Thank you once again for listening to my concerns. I have no issue with properly written tests that monitor my childs progress but the current assessment system does not help parents or educators achieve that goal. Despite what state education officials repeat ad nauseam, teachers are provided with very little data from the state assessments to “inform instruction”. Parents receive a vague score report that does not assist families in assessing our childrens academic progress. The secretive nature of the state assessments contributes to the need for significant reversal in education policy in our state and nation. It short, the current Alabama assessment system has no educational value for the students of our state. Regarding the state assessments, it is illegal to demand the only way to assure my child will not be administered these tests is to make her stay home. Also note that The makeup dates are to be used for administering makeup tests to students who were “absent” during the designated administration dates. Children scored as refusal rather than absent should continue their education in the regular classroom environment during the administration of makeup test periods. I am reserving the option of removing my child from school during the test administration session depending on her emotional state the day of refusal and/or any perceived hostility or punishment from staff. I ask that the school provide an alternative activity for my child, as well as others who are refusing the tests, during administrative sessions of the assessments. I am willing to partner with the school to find appropriate activities that will not exert undue stress on the teacher and/or classroom. Please understand that this refusal is in no way a reflection on the school district, administration, staff, or teachers. My purpose in sending this letter is to provide a written record of my family’s refusal request, should it be needed. We truly appreciate the accommodations the WJ Carroll staff has made for families who have decided to refuse the state assessments in the past. Thank you again for all you do! Sincerely, Jennifer A. Boksa (251) 605-9842
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 01:15:26 +0000
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