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bettyjuck
LIF Zygote
Member since 6/12 19 total posts
Name:
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Any Kids taking the tests?
My son is taking the tests. No debating either side. My only issue is that my son came home and asked if he could skip them as his friends parents aren't making them take it. So now I am the mean mom who is forcing him to do this horrible thing. I explained to him simply why he is taking them and not a big deal. How did others handle the pouts??
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Posted 4/4/16 11:40 AM  |
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blessedmama
LIF Infant
Member since 2/16 341 total posts
Name:
Heather`
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
My kids never had a problem with it. Gave them the option to not take them and they wanted to. Sorry, can't give you advice there but just know that many kids don't care to take them and it is not a battle to pick, IMO.
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| Posted 4/4/16 12:25 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Any Kids taking the tests?
My daughter is not taking the test but if she was, I would just give her the reasons why I made that decision and to let her know that each family needs to decide what is best for them. Each child is their own person and they shouldn't worry about what their friends are doing. Also, let them them know those that are not taking the test, are not being rewarded and most schools are having the children do quiet time or read books. It is not a play time for those not taking it, which some of the kids may think. Whether taking the test or not taking the test, no child should feel like they are being punished or get ridiculed from others because of a choice.
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| Posted 4/4/16 1:30 PM |
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CunningOne
***
Member since 5/05 26975 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
My kids will take them. They are not in a public school.
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| Posted 4/4/16 5:42 PM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
My kids are in the minority for not taking them in my district. I explain it to them as an adult decision and that every parents makes the ones that are best for their children and family. I refuse to go more into it with them. I have also told my own children that it isn't something we need to discuss with classmates...this is just what it is.
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| Posted 4/4/16 7:24 PM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Taking them. They have no hw all week. I don't like that for my 7th grader who is home at 3 everyday with nothing to do!
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| Posted 4/4/16 7:39 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
My son is taking them right now for the first time. I feel really badly that you are in this situation. In my district, it is the opposite actually. No one opts out. In fact, when I asked my son about taking the tests one of the reasons he absolutely did not want to opt-out was that everyone else was taking the test and he should too!
I have a friend that is in a district like yours. Her son is in fourth grade. She is a teacher in another district where they take the tests and she said she sees merit in them and really wanted her son to take the tests but, last year she felt almost bullied into opting out. This year, she said she won't ever do that again and her son is taking the tests. I think it is horrible that kids that are doing what they are supposed to do - taking a test that they have prepared for for months have to feel like they are doing the wrong thing! And parents like you and my friend feel bullied into a situation you don't agree with. And, even worse, your son has to feel like he is almost being punished for taking a test!
If it were my child in your district I would explain to him that he is smart, capable and prepared for these tests and going to go in and rock them. I wouldn't want him to go into it feeling like a punishment and would want him to try his best so I would tell him he will get a "reward" for every day of the test that he goes in and tries his best. Then I would let him pick something small - maybe a little gift, time on xbox, out to eat, a game, something. I would tell him his friends will get NOTHING from not taking the tests - they will sit in another room bored doing work and they won't even have the chance to take the test, show what they know and earn something fun for it!
Good luck to all of our kids today that are taking the tests!!!!! As a first time test mom, I can't wait for these two weeks to be over 
Message edited 4/5/2016 9:05:36 AM.
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| Posted 4/5/16 9:04 AM |
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FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Nope - DS never took them and never will he is in 7th grade. His 3rd grade class was the first to take them. He was one of a small group at his grade level that did not. This year it looks like about 50% of his grade will not be taking these assessments.
It really bothers me that he will have only 6 days of in school learning this month. DS reported that they did nothing new yesterday in any class. This week and next will be consumed with these two test, then they have one week of regular class before a week off for spring break.  Luckily DS is an avid reader and has been saving a few books for these two weeks. At least he will be productively reading. If I could I would take him out of school and arrange 6 days of learning/service projects.
Good luck to all our kids today. Either way they are faced with a stressful day rather than a productive day of learning.
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| Posted 4/5/16 9:54 AM |
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TiggerBounce
The Prince & Princess
Member since 7/05 4939 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
DS is taking them - first time.
I do not know the numbers, but I know we have a high opt-out rate.
I am pretty sure DS is in the minority by taking the test - and that doesn't bother me.
I've never discussed the tests with DS (until last night to prepare him) but while we were talking, he asked if he could opt-out.
I explained why he was not opting out. And I explained reasons why some people do opt-out.
He was okay with it.
I have my reasons for him taking the test. Others have their reasons to opt-out. I'm NOT getting into that debate. Opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has one. I like mine, "you" like yours. We don't have to like each others.
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| Posted 4/5/16 10:10 AM |
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sweetie
Member since 8/06 1730 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
My son is taking the test for the 1st time (3rd grade). He asked a few times why we can't opt out.
I just told him that you can't opt out in life & he will be proud of his hard work once it's done.
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| Posted 4/5/16 10:11 AM |
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TiggerBounce
The Prince & Princess
Member since 7/05 4939 total posts
Name:
J
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by bettyjuck
My son is taking the tests. No debating either side. My only issue is that my son came home and asked if he could skip them as his friends parents aren't making them take it. So now I am the mean mom who is forcing him to do this horrible thing. I explained to him simply why he is taking them and not a big deal. How did others handle the pouts??
DS is 8 (almost 9) and he gets it - I gave him my reasons and he was fine with it. I also explained why other kids parents have opted-out.
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| Posted 4/5/16 10:12 AM |
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my3bugs
Mom of 2 Boys
Member since 5/05 4381 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by TiggerBounce
Posted by bettyjuck
My son is taking the tests. No debating either side. My only issue is that my son came home and asked if he could skip them as his friends parents aren't making them take it. So now I am the mean mom who is forcing him to do this horrible thing. I explained to him simply why he is taking them and not a big deal. How did others handle the pouts??
DS is 8 (almost 9) and he gets it - I gave him my reasons and he was fine with it. I also explained why other kids parents have opted-out.
My sons are taking them (3rd and 5th). I am in a district with a high opt out rate. My 3rd grader hasn't questioned it at all and said he thinks maybe only 5-6 kids a most in his class are taking it. There has been a lot of talk between students but he is pretty accepting and doesn't care. My older son is in a advanced program where most kids do take it but last year so his class wasn't the issue but there was much more talk about it at school in general and he did complain here and there more because of peer pressure than what we/he believes. I did explain some of the adult stuff behind it. Gave him our reasons to why he takes it and he accept it. I explained the other side and taught him it is an adult issue and that everyone has their opinion and to be mindful that it ok to have different opinions and not make anyone feel bad for what they decided. Although he finds the tests easy, doesn't stress it and is proud of our decision - I do get it thrown in my face when he's mad at me - how mean I am for making him take a test. The problem was a few of his close friends who parents said they explained to them fully the reasoning behind not taking the test still told my son - all you have to do is tell your mom you don't want and you don't have to and said that is what they did. They were pressuring him not to take it because the fact it is boring and a test and you can sit and draw and hang out instead. He also came home very upset at the kids wearing anti-test shirts to school and felt like they were picking on others and being mean. This year it has been much better so far and I think the chatter has died down even though more are opting out from what I hear this year. He went to school happy and with no pressures or concerns and even said mom can you put on fb that I am glad to take the test lol (I didn't)...
Message edited 4/5/2016 10:27:13 AM.
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| Posted 4/5/16 10:24 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by my3bugs
Posted by TiggerBounce
Posted by bettyjuck
My son is taking the tests. No debating either side. My only issue is that my son came home and asked if he could skip them as his friends parents aren't making them take it. So now I am the mean mom who is forcing him to do this horrible thing. I explained to him simply why he is taking them and not a big deal. How did others handle the pouts??
DS is 8 (almost 9) and he gets it - I gave him my reasons and he was fine with it. I also explained why other kids parents have opted-out.
My sons are taking them (3rd and 5th). I am in a district with a high opt out rate. My 3rd grader hasn't questioned it at all and said he thinks maybe only 5-6 kids a most in his class are taking it. There has been a lot of talk between students but he is pretty accepting and doesn't care. My older son is in a advanced program where most kids do take it but last year so his class wasn't the issue but there was much more talk about it at school in general and he did complain here and there more because of peer pressure than what we/he believes. I did explain some of the adult stuff behind it. Gave him our reasons to why he takes it and he accept it. I explained the other side and taught him it is an adult issue and that everyone has their opinion and to be mindful that it ok to have different opinions and not make anyone feel bad for what they decided. Although he finds the tests easy, doesn't stress it and is proud of our decision - I do get it thrown in my face when he's mad at me - how mean I am for making him take a test. The problem was a few of his close friends who parents said they explained to them fully the reasoning behind not taking the test still told my son - all you have to do is tell your mom you don't want and you don't have to and said that is what they did. They were pressuring him not to take it because the fact it is boring and a test and you can sit and draw and hang out instead. He also came home very upset at the kids wearing anti-test shirts to school and felt like they were picking on others and being mean. This year it has been much better so far and I think the chatter has died down even though more are opting out from what I hear this year. He went to school happy and with no pressures or concerns and even said mom can you put on fb that I am glad to take the test lol (I didn't)...
I think it's ridiculous to send your kid to school in an opt out shirt. I opted out, not because I think it's too hard, not because I think she won't pass, but for a whole other myriad of reasons. I still would never send her to school in opt out clothes, or tell her to convince her friends to opt out. That is crossing the line IMO.
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| Posted 4/5/16 10:53 AM |
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by BargainMama
I think it's ridiculous to send your kid to school in an opt out shirt. I opted out, not because I think it's too hard, not because I think she won't pass, but for a whole other myriad of reasons. I still would never send her to school in opt out clothes, or tell her to convince her friends to opt out. That is crossing the line IMO.
ITA. I would never use my kid to make a political statement especially in a setting where it's going to make other kids feel badly. I know of at least one district on LI (I forget which one) which was supportive of parents opting out but requested no slogans on clothing. Ideally I would like to see these exams become more authentic, transparent and level-appropriate, and if they do I will have my child take them next year.
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| Posted 4/5/16 12:02 PM |
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itsagoodlife
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/15 619 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
None of my children take the exams. In my district, the teachers and admins are VERY supportive to the point that the teachers all wear their "union" tshirts during testing weeks.
However, I agree.. I would not send my kids in wearing tshirts. This is a battle the parents and teachers are fighting with NYS.. the kids are not fighting the fight. We are their voices.
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| Posted 4/5/16 1:20 PM |
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jellybean78
:)
Member since 8/06 13103 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Any Kids taking the tests?
DD is in 3rd grade and this will be her first time taking the test. In her district not a lot of kids opt out. She wanted to take the test so she is.
I didn't want her to be the only kid not taking it because I know she would feel bad but personally I would have liked to opt her out.
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| Posted 4/5/16 1:32 PM |
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Adri
Joy!
Member since 5/05 3116 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
DS in 5th grade is taking them. He is very excited about no homework these 2 weeks. He also wanted a healthy breakfast and woke up earlier to get to school very early. He doesn't like the idea of the tests, but it was nice to see him act very responsible.
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| Posted 4/5/16 2:30 PM |
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my3bugs
Mom of 2 Boys
Member since 5/05 4381 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by MrsProfessor
Posted by BargainMama
I think it's ridiculous to send your kid to school in an opt out shirt. I opted out, not because I think it's too hard, not because I think she won't pass, but for a whole other myriad of reasons. I still would never send her to school in opt out clothes, or tell her to convince her friends to opt out. That is crossing the line IMO.
ITA. I would never use my kid to make a political statement especially in a setting where it's going to make other kids feel badly. I know of at least one district on LI (I forget which one) which was supportive of parents opting out but requested no slogans on clothing. Ideally I would like to see these exams become more authentic, transparent and level-appropriate, and if they do I will have my child take them next year.
I think after the first day or madness parents were asked not to wear them. But a lot of kid did last year the first day and it really upset and angered my son. It was a message about loving their teachers and not taking the test or something to that effect. Made my son feel like he wasn't loving his teacher because he took the test and him taking or not taking the test is my choice not his and has nothing to do with how much he respects and loves all of his teachers. He's probably one of the most respectful kids in the class to all teachers and school employees as per his teachers!
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| Posted 4/5/16 5:57 PM |
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twicethefun
Loving life
Member since 7/06 4088 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
My son and daughter are in the minority taking the tests. In fact they are pulled from their classroom to go into a separate location with a different teacher, because less than 1/4 of each of their grades is taking the test. My children were also upset that I was making them taking the test. But I explained to them all the reasons I am making them do it. I also explained that in life there will be many tests that you can not opt out of so we might as well learn to cope with testing. But what comforted my daughter most was when I explained to her that if she does poorly in an area she will get help, simply because she took the test. She likes knowing that this test would get her any extra help she might need.
It also helps to make a special breakfast and pack a special snack with a treat each day of the test....and telling my daughter that I am so proud of her for completing her first big test. She is a third grader so she was more nervous than my son.
What's funny is she actually found today's test relaxing and enjoyable! It's just that she had anxiety because so few are taking the test with her. She is looking forward to tomorrow.
Message edited 4/5/2016 9:53:24 PM.
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| Posted 4/5/16 9:31 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
I thought about opting out. She does get anxiety. My daughter wanted to take the test, was upset at the thought of not taking it, as all her friends were (she said only 2-3 kids in her class were not). My district was I believe 40% opt out last year. I felt our district supported parent choice. No pressure either way. She came home very happy yesterday, not one complaint. She said it was fun?? In fact she complained more about her science test she took Monday. She said the test wasn't bad and she had no issues with the passages or questions. She said the kids are not really talking about taking it or not takng it.
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| Posted 4/6/16 6:16 AM |
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bettyjuck
LIF Zygote
Member since 6/12 19 total posts
Name:
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Any Kids taking the tests?
Well my son came home happy. I asked him how it went and he said good. He said only 8 kids took the test in his class and he had no issues with this at all. We never discussed again and went about our night. I refuse to make a big deal about it and he knows how we feel about him taking them. I did see kids with their t-shirts posted online. While i think it is in poor taste by the parents, I just ignore it. Just as I do with all the comments about how I am uneducated and don't care about my kids education. The sad part is I am very educated and very involved with my kids education. From PTA, volunteering, and coaching their sports team. We teach them to respect their teachers and fellow students. My school district has more opt out then test takers. While I have my views on that I choose to keep my opinion to myself. Everyone has their own reasoning. I do wish some of them took an active part in the school and their kids education the other 350 days a year.
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| Posted 4/6/16 10:16 AM |
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limomof2
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/13 845 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by itsagoodlife
None of my children take the exams. In my district, the teachers and admins are VERY supportive to the point that the teachers all wear their "union" tshirts during testing weeks.
However, I agree.. I would not send my kids in wearing tshirts. This is a battle the parents and teachers are fighting with NYS.. the kids are not fighting the fight. We are their voices.
My son takes the test. I do give him a reward (an hour of games each day he takes them) because of course he wasn't thrilled about taking them bc other people aren't. I personally don't like any of the standarized tests kids have to take but they will have to eventually take them. I believe my son will benefit from taking these tests because he won't be shocked when he comes across an sat or regents exam later on. I also don't agree with taking kids out because they have no idea WHY (and most don't care) they aren't taking it, they are just happy they don't have to take a test. This totally would send the wrong message to MY child (not saying anyone else's) of course it's a personal decision. What I don't get are the teachers (and I have many friends/family who are teachers and I have my masters in Ed but don't teach) who wholeheartedly disagree with this test, so much that it "harms" children but yet give it anyway because it's their "job". That's not the kind of teacher I want teaching my child. You believe the wellbeing of my child is at stake but you'll give him the test and expect HIM to opt out? I'm sorry, I just don't get that. Think what an amazing message it would send if the teachers and admin opted out......
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| Posted 4/6/16 11:04 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Any Kids taking the tests?
Teachers can't refuse to administer or they can lose their job. i think the majority want to keep their jobs ;)
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| Posted 4/6/16 11:34 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by limomof2
Posted by itsagoodlife
None of my children take the exams. In my district, the teachers and admins are VERY supportive to the point that the teachers all wear their "union" tshirts during testing weeks.
However, I agree.. I would not send my kids in wearing tshirts. This is a battle the parents and teachers are fighting with NYS.. the kids are not fighting the fight. We are their voices.
My son takes the test. I do give him a reward (an hour of games each day he takes them) because of course he wasn't thrilled about taking them bc other people aren't. I personally don't like any of the standarized tests kids have to take but they will have to eventually take them. I believe my son will benefit from taking these tests because he won't be shocked when he comes across an sat or regents exam later on. I also don't agree with taking kids out because they have no idea WHY (and most don't care) they aren't taking it, they are just happy they don't have to take a test. This totally would send the wrong message to MY child (not saying anyone else's) of course it's a personal decision. What I don't get are the teachers (and I have many friends/family who are teachers and I have my masters in Ed but don't teach) who wholeheartedly disagree with this test, so much that it "harms" children but yet give it anyway because it's their "job". That's not the kind of teacher I want teaching my child. You believe the wellbeing of my child is at stake but you'll give him the test and expect HIM to opt out? I'm sorry, I just don't get that. Think what an amazing message it would send if the teachers and admin opted out......
I believe the teachers HAVE to administer the test, whether or not they believe in it, as it's mandated by the state.
The parents have to be the ones to opt their own child out if they so wish.
I am sure most teacher's don't agree with the tests either, from what I hear, but they have no choice.
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| Posted 4/6/16 12:02 PM |
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itsagoodlife
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/15 619 total posts
Name:
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Re: Any Kids taking the tests?
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by limomof2
Posted by itsagoodlife
None of my children take the exams. In my district, the teachers and admins are VERY supportive to the point that the teachers all wear their "union" tshirts during testing weeks.
However, I agree.. I would not send my kids in wearing tshirts. This is a battle the parents and teachers are fighting with NYS.. the kids are not fighting the fight. We are their voices.
My son takes the test. I do give him a reward (an hour of games each day he takes them) because of course he wasn't thrilled about taking them bc other people aren't. I personally don't like any of the standarized tests kids have to take but they will have to eventually take them. I believe my son will benefit from taking these tests because he won't be shocked when he comes across an sat or regents exam later on. I also don't agree with taking kids out because they have no idea WHY (and most don't care) they aren't taking it, they are just happy they don't have to take a test. This totally would send the wrong message to MY child (not saying anyone else's) of course it's a personal decision. What I don't get are the teachers (and I have many friends/family who are teachers and I have my masters in Ed but don't teach) who wholeheartedly disagree with this test, so much that it "harms" children but yet give it anyway because it's their "job". That's not the kind of teacher I want teaching my child. You believe the wellbeing of my child is at stake but you'll give him the test and expect HIM to opt out? I'm sorry, I just don't get that. Think what an amazing message it would send if the teachers and admin opted out......
I believe the teachers HAVE to administer the test, whether or not they believe in it, as it's mandated by the state.
The parents have to be the ones to opt their own child out if they so wish.
I am sure most teacher's don't agree with the tests either, from what I hear, but they have no choice.
The teachers and administrators hands are tied. They must OFFER the test... but they cannot opt-out of giving it themselves. They are employees who are trying to do their (very difficult) jobs. There was a teacher last year in Comsewogue who refused to proctor the test. I think she retired shortly thereafter but I am not sure.
The CHILD is not opting out, the parents are making the decision.
I am not going to debate the reasons for opting out. As parents we all make choices for our children.
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| Posted 4/6/16 12:37 PM |
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