3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

With all the conversations on Common Core I'm wondering what all the 3rd - 8th grade parents are doing regarding testing.

3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

No my son will take it

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

DD is in 2nd, but yes, next year she will take whatever tests there are.

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

My kids are in private school and the only grades that take the state tests are 4th, 6th and 8th grade. DS is in 4th grade, this will be his first year taking a state test, and yes, he will take them.

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

My son's in 3rd grade and yes he will take the test.

3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

Nope, my 5th grade and 8th grader will NOT be taking the tests. I am not a supporter of Common Crap.

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

Ds is in 3rd grade and he will take the test.

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

I'm two years away from this for my oldest but, I'm very curious about it in general. Can I ask is this a common thing? Are there students in every district not taking the test? If so, is there push back by the teachers/principal? What do your children do while others are taking the test? Also, how does this impact them in general? Those whose children are opting out - are they generally high achieving/performing kids? Does this hurt their chances for advanced placement? TIA!

3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

Of course I'm refusing! Why shouldn't I?

There is nothing good that can come of theses tests. They are created by a corporation, NOT our teachers and are not an accurate measure of what our kids are learning. How does it make sense that instruction can be differentiated, but a test to measure that is standardized?

They are used to measure our teachers (APPR). As much as 40% of a teacher's rating depends on how well students perform on the ELA --oh, including specials like gym & music who don't even teach English or math - crazy, right?

By refusing, as a parent I am drawing a line in the sand saying "no more". Pearson, the testing company, has a huge history of making mistakes on these exams. I think the question should be why should he take the test?

As for the notion, well, my kid has to learn to take a test--he does. Every week he takes a math test or a spelling test or a vocab test. The ELA is NOT just a test- ELA, Common Core are a package deal along with APPR, inBloom etc. It's simply horrific what our educational system is turning into. Of course, it's all about profit since the end game is to ultimately privatize education. Education is not a business nor should it be treated that way.

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

I think I can answer some of your questions:

Yes, refusing the test will be more common this year than ever before. There is a HUGE movement across the country and right here on Long Island to have kids refuse.

Yes, there is some push back by administration, but not so much by teachers since many of them hate Common Core as well. By push back I mean they will do everything they can to encourage the kids to take the test, but there is absolutely nothing they can do to stop them from refusing nor are there any repercussions.

Some districts are forcing kids to "sit and stare" after they complete the test (HUGE protest about this) other districts will allow them to read a book or even move them to a different location.


It does not have an affect on AP classes at all--maybe getting into some type of gifted program if the district decides to use ELA as a criteria, but it should only be one of many.

Kids who are opting out are all over the map academically -- nothing to do w/high vs. low achieving. HOWEVER, if you do have a high achieving kid, an honor student, gifted, whatever and he/she bombs the test for whatever reason - he can be mandated to receive support services (crazy!).

The test is just bizarre. It's mostly put in place to measure the teachers, not the students. Teachers get a rating (efficient, inefficient etc) that are dependent on the scores of how well their students perform on the test. Some districts go as hight as 40% some split it. This is why lots and lots of test prep!! It's brutal. They end up teaching to the test - no more creative projects, experiments etc - no time! The teachers I have spoken to hate it and wish more parents would refuse.

I think I answered your questions and would be more than happy to answer any others. Ugh...I can go on and on about it! lol But I'll stop here : )

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

My mom who has 4 kids within this grade range will be opting out. After going to an informational meeting, where the school board was present and sample opt out letters were provided, she is very fired up about what common core means for our kids.
I plan on further educating myself on the matter, but when the time comes will most likely also be opting out.

Re: 3rd - 8th Grade Common Core Test Poll

My kids are not opting out but I basically tell them to do their best and don't worry.

This is DD2 first year testing in 3rd and has a 504 for extra time