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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Are you opting-out ?
Poll only bc I don't want people to feel like they have to defend their position. Just a yes or no.
We are opting out.
Message edited 3/16/2016 9:46:44 AM.
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Posted 3/16/16 9:46 AM  |
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Yes
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| Posted 3/16/16 10:06 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: Are you opting-out ?
When the time comes, yes I will be
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| Posted 3/16/16 12:52 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Are you opting-out ?
I am! There is only one child in my daughter's class that is actually taking the tests. Our district has a huge opt out rate
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| Posted 3/16/16 1:58 PM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
There is an online opt-out site that composes the email to your principal and you can send electronically. Most schools are listed that I can see.
Opt-out Online
ETA: I used it and got a confirmation from my principal the next day.
Message edited 3/16/2016 2:45:15 PM.
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| Posted 3/16/16 2:43 PM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by busymomonli
There is an online opt-out site that composes the email to your principal and you can send electronically. Most schools are listed that I can see.
Opt-out Online
ETA: I used it and got a confirmation from my principal the next day.
Just always double check your schools policy. My sons school is listed HOWEVER my district REQUIRES a sign hard copy delivered to the principal of your school and DOES NOT accept this electronic form or the similar text message method.
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| Posted 3/16/16 9:58 PM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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Are you opting-out ?
That's interesting. I assumed if they were listed there that the school was accepting it. I used it last year and again this year and have not had a problem.
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| Posted 3/17/16 8:07 AM |
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
We are opting out of math. She loves ELA and wants to take the test.
I know all the arguments against the test and understand and agree for the most part but I also know she will not always have the option of opting out. I like that she wants to challenge herself and feels confident even though I do not care how she does. Math has been hugely stressful for her and I worry what will happen if she finds it intimidating.
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| Posted 3/18/16 9:12 AM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
My son is only in 2nd but he will be taking the tests next year. He likes tests, it will not stress him out so I am fine with it. The teachers also don't seem to care about it either. THere are very few kids that opt out in my district.
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| Posted 3/18/16 8:03 PM |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
We're definitely opting out of Math & ELA.
I'm torn on the Science. On the one hand I feel as if I should opt her out of that as well, being that this isn't specifically about my child's performance on these exams, but more about the bigger picture and the future of public education. BUT I've heard students truly enjoy the labs/hands on aspect and that the test is age appropriate.
Anybody else faced with this dilemma?
Do you think opting out of the Math & ELA will be enough to be heard? For me this is more about MY PROTEST, not my children's performance on a test.
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| Posted 3/19/16 2:48 PM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by Chatham-Chick
We're definitely opting out of Math & ELA.
I'm torn on the Science. On the one hand I feel as if I should opt her out of that as well, being that this isn't specifically about my child's performance on these exams, but more about the bigger picture and the future of public education. BUT I've heard students truly enjoy the labs/hands on aspect and that the test is age appropriate.
Anybody else faced with this dilemma?
Do you think opting out of the Math & ELA will be enough to be heard? For me this is more about MY PROTEST, not my children's performance on a test.
This is exactly how I feel about the tests...we are only at the 3rd grade level, so no Science testing, but it is totally my protest to the way public education has been misshapen to become a source of income for our government.
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| Posted 3/19/16 8:08 PM |
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PatsBrat
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 2326 total posts
Name:
Ms. Brat
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by Chatham-Chick
We're definitely opting out of Math & ELA.
I'm torn on the Science. On the one hand I feel as if I should opt her out of that as well, being that this isn't specifically about my child's performance on these exams, but more about the bigger picture and the future of public education. BUT I've heard students truly enjoy the labs/hands on aspect and that the test is age appropriate.
Anybody else faced with this dilemma?
Do you think opting out of the Math & ELA will be enough to be heard? For me this is more about MY PROTEST, not my children's performance on a test.
FYI the science test has been around for years, longer than the fresh hell that is the ELA and math tests. It's very appropriate, child friendly and grade level appropriate. It's even FUN at some points.
I'm a huge supporter of state test refusal, but my kids both took the science test.
Message edited 3/19/2016 11:19:00 PM.
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| Posted 3/19/16 11:18 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
.
Message edited 3/20/2016 9:14:26 PM.
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| Posted 3/20/16 9:14 AM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Im SO encouraged to see the # up around 60%. For me, its not as much about the test itself and whether DS can do it or not its about the policies, politics and big corporations behind our childrens education.
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| Posted 3/20/16 10:25 AM |
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PatsBrat
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 2326 total posts
Name:
Ms. Brat
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by itsbabytime
Not opting out my 3rd grader this year. I have done a lot of research into the tests, talked to my child's teacher and administrators. I have looked at all the released questions from the past ELA and Math tests since these new tests started and I am confident in my decision.
While it is not the mainstream choice on here, there are still a number of us that have kids that take the test and, in some districts, everyone takes the tests. I think that is an important point to make. I think the tests are fine for my DS and his peers. Looking at the math I don't see anything that is not developmentally appropriate for a third grade. In fact, the majority in our district score 4's on the math tests. The ELA has some MC questions that are tricky and downright wrong or completely off the mark but, I think a lot of the test is fine. My DS wants to take these tests (I asked him) and no one he knows is opting out.
I see a lot of positives to these tests honestly. I would like to see how my DS is able to handle test taking and in the world we live in now I think it's good practice for him. I would like to see if test taking for him is reflective of his abilitites because as we all know it isn't always. I also think the test prep they are doing is beneficial. My DS's writing and reading comp skills have improved so much this year! His math is stronger overall as well. My DS actually said to me that he is enjoying the test prep because it is more challenging and interesting than regular math and ELA! I will say though that our school does very little test prep and he is currently working on other projects (science, class play etc.). So maybe that is why.
Good luck to those taking the tests!
That's all great for your child, but remember there is a much bigger picture to see than just one child. Most of us who refuse the tests do so for ALL the children and for educators as well.
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| Posted 3/20/16 12:12 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by itsbabytime
Not opting out my 3rd grader this year. I have done a lot of research into the tests, talked to my child's teacher and administrators. I have looked at all the released questions from the past ELA and Math tests since these new tests started and I am confident in my decision.
While it is not the mainstream choice on here, there are still a number of us that have kids that take the test and, in some districts, everyone takes the tests. I think that is an important point to make. I think the tests are fine for my DS and his peers. Looking at the math I don't see anything that is not developmentally appropriate for a third grade. In fact, the majority in our district score 4's on the math tests. The ELA has some MC questions that are tricky and downright wrong or completely off the mark but, I think a lot of the test is fine. My DS wants to take these tests (I asked him) and no one he knows is opting out.
I see a lot of positives to these tests honestly. I would like to see how my DS is able to handle test taking and in the world we live in now I think it's good practice for him. I would like to see if test taking for him is reflective of his abilitites because as we all know it isn't always. I also think the test prep they are doing is beneficial. My DS's writing and reading comp skills have improved so much this year! His math is stronger overall as well. My DS actually said to me that he is enjoying the test prep because it is more challenging and interesting than regular math and ELA! I will say though that our school does very little test prep and he is currently working on other projects (science, class play etc.). So maybe that is why.
Good luck to those taking the tests!
That's all great for your child, but remember there is a much bigger picture to see than just one child. Most of us who refuse the tests do so for ALL the children and for educators as well.
This exactly.
My son is out of the "standardized testing" age, and only has Regent's now. But, it's completely unfair to his past year's awesome special education teachers that are being rated as highly ineffective because their students with special needs have extreme difficulty with these tests. It's horrible.
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| Posted 3/20/16 12:22 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
.
Message edited 3/20/2016 9:17:40 PM.
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| Posted 3/20/16 1:16 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by itsbabytime
Not opting out my 3rd grader this year. I have done a lot of research into the tests, talked to my child's teacher and administrators. I have looked at all the released questions from the past ELA and Math tests since these new tests started and I am confident in my decision.
While it is not the mainstream choice on here, there are still a number of us that have kids that take the test and, in some districts, everyone takes the tests. I think that is an important point to make. I think the tests are fine for my DS and his peers. Looking at the math I don't see anything that is not developmentally appropriate for a third grade. In fact, the majority in our district score 4's on the math tests. The ELA has some MC questions that are tricky and downright wrong or completely off the mark but, I think a lot of the test is fine. My DS wants to take these tests (I asked him) and no one he knows is opting out.
I see a lot of positives to these tests honestly. I would like to see how my DS is able to handle test taking and in the world we live in now I think it's good practice for him. I would like to see if test taking for him is reflective of his abilitites because as we all know it isn't always. I also think the test prep they are doing is beneficial. My DS's writing and reading comp skills have improved so much this year! His math is stronger overall as well. My DS actually said to me that he is enjoying the test prep because it is more challenging and interesting than regular math and ELA! I will say though that our school does very little test prep and he is currently working on other projects (science, class play etc.). So maybe that is why.
Good luck to those taking the tests!
That's all great for your child, but remember there is a much bigger picture to see than just one child. Most of us who refuse the tests do so for ALL the children and for educators as well.
In my experience, those in my district that refuse the tests - it is because their children won't do well and they know it from the outset. That, I understand but, that is how it is. Even on this thread it is obvious that is a little bit in play there. So I don't agree with what you wrote AT ALL. Let's be honest. We all have our OWN children's interest at heart here 
What an ignorant statement. I have a very smart daughter, but I'm refusing the tests, as are every single child in her class, except one (and her class is FULL of smart kids). Don't assume that people are opting out because they think their kids will fail. You have said this more than once on here, and it's a downright dumb thing to say.
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| Posted 3/20/16 3:51 PM |
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PatsBrat
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 2326 total posts
Name:
Ms. Brat
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by itsbabytime
Not opting out my 3rd grader this year. I have done a lot of research into the tests, talked to my child's teacher and administrators. I have looked at all the released questions from the past ELA and Math tests since these new tests started and I am confident in my decision.
While it is not the mainstream choice on here, there are still a number of us that have kids that take the test and, in some districts, everyone takes the tests. I think that is an important point to make. I think the tests are fine for my DS and his peers. Looking at the math I don't see anything that is not developmentally appropriate for a third grade. In fact, the majority in our district score 4's on the math tests. The ELA has some MC questions that are tricky and downright wrong or completely off the mark but, I think a lot of the test is fine. My DS wants to take these tests (I asked him) and no one he knows is opting out.
I see a lot of positives to these tests honestly. I would like to see how my DS is able to handle test taking and in the world we live in now I think it's good practice for him. I would like to see if test taking for him is reflective of his abilitites because as we all know it isn't always. I also think the test prep they are doing is beneficial. My DS's writing and reading comp skills have improved so much this year! His math is stronger overall as well. My DS actually said to me that he is enjoying the test prep because it is more challenging and interesting than regular math and ELA! I will say though that our school does very little test prep and he is currently working on other projects (science, class play etc.). So maybe that is why.
Good luck to those taking the tests!
That's all great for your child, but remember there is a much bigger picture to see than just one child. Most of us who refuse the tests do so for ALL the children and for educators as well.
Oh please. If you read what I wrote I said that I feel ALL the children in my child's grade are prepared for this test. More than half got a 4 last year in fact on the Math. My son's teacher is a mother as well and not in our district. Her children TAKE THE TESTS. In fact, half of the third grade teachers in our school are parents themselves and they are completely in favor of these tests and their children TAKE THE TESTS! In my experience, those in my district that refuse the tests - it is because their children won't do well and they know it from the outset. That, I understand but, that is how it is. Even on this thread it is obvious that is a little bit in play there. So I don't agree with what you wrote AT ALL. Let's be honest. We all have our OWN children's interest at heart here
I read everything you wrote. Twice. And now I just read your new post. Twice. And I still think you're extremely narrow minded, and now I'm not saying it nicely.
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| Posted 3/20/16 6:13 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by itsbabytime
Not opting out my 3rd grader this year. I have done a lot of research into the tests, talked to my child's teacher and administrators. I have looked at all the released questions from the past ELA and Math tests since these new tests started and I am confident in my decision.
While it is not the mainstream choice on here, there are still a number of us that have kids that take the test and, in some districts, everyone takes the tests. I think that is an important point to make. I think the tests are fine for my DS and his peers. Looking at the math I don't see anything that is not developmentally appropriate for a third grade. In fact, the majority in our district score 4's on the math tests. The ELA has some MC questions that are tricky and downright wrong or completely off the mark but, I think a lot of the test is fine. My DS wants to take these tests (I asked him) and no one he knows is opting out.
I see a lot of positives to these tests honestly. I would like to see how my DS is able to handle test taking and in the world we live in now I think it's good practice for him. I would like to see if test taking for him is reflective of his abilitites because as we all know it isn't always. I also think the test prep they are doing is beneficial. My DS's writing and reading comp skills have improved so much this year! His math is stronger overall as well. My DS actually said to me that he is enjoying the test prep because it is more challenging and interesting than regular math and ELA! I will say though that our school does very little test prep and he is currently working on other projects (science, class play etc.). So maybe that is why.
Good luck to those taking the tests!
That's all great for your child, but remember there is a much bigger picture to see than just one child. Most of us who refuse the tests do so for ALL the children and for educators as well.
In my experience, those in my district that refuse the tests - it is because their children won't do well and they know it from the outset. That, I understand but, that is how it is. Even on this thread it is obvious that is a little bit in play there. So I don't agree with what you wrote AT ALL. Let's be honest. We all have our OWN children's interest at heart here
What an ignorant statement. I have a very smart daughter, but I'm refusing the tests, as are every single child in her class, except one (and her class is FULL of smart kids). Don't assume that people are opting out because they think their kids will fail. You have said this more than once on here, and it's a downright dumb thing to say.
I'm being totally misquoted here. I made that statement saying IN MY DISTRICT. That IS the case in my district where we have like a three percent opt out. Name calling totally unnecessary as my statement is not dumb or inaccurate but 100 percent dead on for my district!
I can totally and completely understand why people would opt out of these tests and for the past year have asked several questions on these boards trying to make my own educated decision. If I were not in my particular district I am sure I might feel very differently about these tests. Maybe I would even opt out my child. I do not know. I do not feel AT ALL that my statement regarding my district is true in all districts. But, I share what is the case IN MY DISTRICT because that is what I have to base my decision on for my child.
What I do resent (besides being called dumb and ignorant for a statement only about my own district that is actually true) is the implication that those that opt out do so for some greater good while those that do not are selfish dumb and ignorant. We all do what is best for our children. We all live in different school districts that use these tests in different ways and have different test taking demographics. That is what my quoted response was in reference to. I'm sorry it bothers you so much to hear about mine that you become so defensive you need to resort to name calling - a stranger no less.
Message edited 3/20/2016 7:11:24 PM.
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| Posted 3/20/16 6:46 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
.
Message edited 3/20/2016 9:17:02 PM.
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| Posted 3/20/16 6:48 PM |
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ready2go
LIF Adult
Member since 1/08 2379 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by itsbabytime
Not opting out my 3rd grader this year. I have done a lot of research into the tests, talked to my child's teacher and administrators. I have looked at all the released questions from the past ELA and Math tests since these new tests started and I am confident in my decision.
While it is not the mainstream choice on here, there are still a number of us that have kids that take the test and, in some districts, everyone takes the tests. I think that is an important point to make. I think the tests are fine for my DS and his peers. Looking at the math I don't see anything that is not developmentally appropriate for a third grade. In fact, the majority in our district score 4's on the math tests. The ELA has some MC questions that are tricky and downright wrong or completely off the mark but, I think a lot of the test is fine. My DS wants to take these tests (I asked him) and no one he knows is opting out.
I see a lot of positives to these tests honestly. I would like to see how my DS is able to handle test taking and in the world we live in now I think it's good practice for him. I would like to see if test taking for him is reflective of his abilitites because as we all know it isn't always. I also think the test prep they are doing is beneficial. My DS's writing and reading comp skills have improved so much this year! His math is stronger overall as well. My DS actually said to me that he is enjoying the test prep because it is more challenging and interesting than regular math and ELA! I will say though that our school does very little test prep and he is currently working on other projects (science, class play etc.). So maybe that is why.
Good luck to those taking the tests!
That's all great for your child, but remember there is a much bigger picture to see than just one child. Most of us who refuse the tests do so for ALL the children and for educators as well.
This exactly.
My son is out of the "standardized testing" age, and only has Regent's now. But, it's completely unfair to his past year's awesome special education teachers that are being rated as highly ineffective because their students with special needs have extreme difficulty with these tests. It's horrible.
THANK YOU from a special education teacher.
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| Posted 3/20/16 7:16 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by itsbabytime
Not opting out my 3rd grader this year. I have done a lot of research into the tests, talked to my child's teacher and administrators. I have looked at all the released questions from the past ELA and Math tests since these new tests started and I am confident in my decision.
While it is not the mainstream choice on here, there are still a number of us that have kids that take the test and, in some districts, everyone takes the tests. I think that is an important point to make. I think the tests are fine for my DS and his peers. Looking at the math I don't see anything that is not developmentally appropriate for a third grade. In fact, the majority in our district score 4's on the math tests. The ELA has some MC questions that are tricky and downright wrong or completely off the mark but, I think a lot of the test is fine. My DS wants to take these tests (I asked him) and no one he knows is opting out.
I see a lot of positives to these tests honestly. I would like to see how my DS is able to handle test taking and in the world we live in now I think it's good practice for him. I would like to see if test taking for him is reflective of his abilitites because as we all know it isn't always. I also think the test prep they are doing is beneficial. My DS's writing and reading comp skills have improved so much this year! His math is stronger overall as well. My DS actually said to me that he is enjoying the test prep because it is more challenging and interesting than regular math and ELA! I will say though that our school does very little test prep and he is currently working on other projects (science, class play etc.). So maybe that is why.
Good luck to those taking the tests!
That's all great for your child, but remember there is a much bigger picture to see than just one child. Most of us who refuse the tests do so for ALL the children and for educators as well.
In my experience, those in my district that refuse the tests - it is because their children won't do well and they know it from the outset. That, I understand but, that is how it is. Even on this thread it is obvious that is a little bit in play there. So I don't agree with what you wrote AT ALL. Let's be honest. We all have our OWN children's interest at heart here
What an ignorant statement. I have a very smart daughter, but I'm refusing the tests, as are every single child in her class, except one (and her class is FULL of smart kids). Don't assume that people are opting out because they think their kids will fail. You have said this more than once on here, and it's a downright dumb thing to say.
I'm being totally misquoted here. I made that statement saying IN MY DISTRICT. That IS the case in my district where we have like a three percent opt out. Name calling totally unnecessary as my statement is not dumb or inaccurate but 100 percent dead on for my district!
I can totally and completely understand why people would opt out of these tests and for the past year have asked several questions on these boards trying to make my own educated decision. If I were not in my particular district I am sure I might feel very differently about these tests. Maybe I would even opt out my child. I do not know. I do not feel AT ALL that my statement regarding my district is true in all districts. But, I share what is the case IN MY DISTRICT because that is what I have to base my decision on for my child.
What I do resent (besides being called dumb and ignorant for a statement only about my own district that is actually true) is the implication that those that opt out do so for some greater good while those that do not are selfish dumb and ignorant. We all do what is best for our children. We all live in different school districts that use these tests in different ways and have different test taking demographics. That is what my quoted response was in reference to. I'm sorry it bothers you so much to hear about mine that you become so defensive you need to resort to name calling - a stranger no less.
First off I do not know any district on Long Island or anywhere for that matter that gets mostly 4s on these tests. The tests can not be used alone for placements so if you are being told that, they are lying to you. This what is the problem with the world today. Everyone is out for themselves. People need to look at the bigger picture. That is great that you have a super smart kid that only goes to school with super smart people but what about the other 90% of the kids out there. What about the travesty they are doing for special needs community. What about the kids who are in ESL. People need to look outside their bubble to try to help others. Since the kids in your school are so super smart maybe they need to be taught on how to look beyond themselves and to help others. That lesson would be more important than anything they will learn on a useless math or ELA test.
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| Posted 3/20/16 9:07 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
....
Message edited 3/21/2016 5:07:38 PM.
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| Posted 3/20/16 9:16 PM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by itsbabytime
So done. Only on this website are parents and kids attacked for taking a test. Sad and ridiculous that assumptions would be made and attacks on character based on the taking of a test. Get a grip.
To be clear you are NOT being called out for having your kid taking the test, there were several others moms above you who stated their children were taking it and no one said a thing to them. You are being taken to task bc you said, and I paraphrase "I think some parents dont have their kids take the test bc they dont think theyll do well." You keep saying that you said "in my district" which you did and THEN you said, "I even see it on here" - hence.....
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| Posted 3/20/16 11:00 PM |
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