New York Advises Schools On Students Refusing To Take Tests

The Rochester (NY) Democrat & Chronicle (4/16, Bakeman) reports on guidance being given to schools by the New York state Education Department regarding the new tests aligned to Common Core standards being given this week. They are being told that "schools have no obligation to offer students who refuse to take state exams alternative instruction," and that "principals should use regular attendance or disciplinary policies to decide how to deal with those students." Also, "teachers should not be hurt by the expected lower test scores this year in their performance evaluations." Finally, "state education department administrators said 'opting out' or boycotting exams was not an option, and schools are not obligated to make other arrangements for children who wouldn't take the tests."

 

Some Parents Keep Children From Tests.The Village Voice (NY) (4/17, Kamenetz) reports, "There are reports of testing opt-outs at 22 public schools in all five boroughs this week. Parents cite stress on students, the diversion of instructional time and resources for weeks of test prep, poor alignment with the curriculum, what they see as inappropriate use of the test scores to evaluate teachers and schools, and most recently, New York state's sharing of student data with the Gates Foundation-funded nonprofit startup InBloom."

 

The Central New York Your News Now (4/17, Meran) reports, "Some parents have elected to keep their children from taking the test. ... In the West Genesee School District, the superintendent says they had four students opt out." But, "the education department says all students are expected to take the exam."

 

WHEC-TV Rochester, NY (4/17, Levato) reports, "The New York State Education Department says all students are expected to participate in these tests. But that's not stopping some parents from refusing." One principal "told parents of kids not taking the test that they would have to sit silent while the test was being given."

 

Students, Parents Frustrated By More Difficult Tests.The New York Daily News (4/17, Lestch, Chapman) reports, "New state exams stumped public school students across the city Tuesday as they struggled to answer more difficult questions aligned to national standards. City school officials said the tests went well, but parents and students were frustrated by dummy questions included in the exams and policies for students who chose to opt out." Officials said that dummy question results "will help test-makers calibrate the exams."

 

The Canandaigua (NY) Messenger Post (4/17) reports, "Parents say they see little value - and possibly damage - in putting more emphasis on tests to measure success of students and teachers. But that won't change the fact that millions of kids statewide this week will begin a rigorous round of tests Tuesday."