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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 ?
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Message edited 3/21/2016 5:06:46 PM.
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Posted 3/21/16 7:39 AM  |
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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 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.
Yes I saw you said "your district", but you also said "this board", and you have said such in the past as well. I remember it well. I didn't say *you* were dumb or ignorant. I'm not "name calling". The statements you have made in this thread have been both though. Period. I'm not going to go back and forth with you though.
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| Posted 3/21/16 8:02 AM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by 2BadSoSad
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.....
Yes, I said that. I said it in response to an uncalled for statement that those that opt out do so for some magnanimous good for all while those kids that take the test do so for selfish reasons.
I don't see that statement at all.
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| Posted 3/21/16 8:37 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 ?
Posted by JennP
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by 2BadSoSad
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.....
Yes, I said that. I said it in response to an uncalled for statement that those that opt out do so for some magnanimous good for all while those kids that take the test do so for selfish reasons.
I don't see that statement at all.
I don't see that either......
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| Posted 3/21/16 10:24 AM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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....
...
Message edited 3/21/2016 5:06:24 PM.
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| Posted 3/21/16 10:55 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 ?
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.
This is what I was referring to and everything that came after it. My point is still the same - most of us are making decisions regarding this test that are a benefit and not a detriment to our own children as well. Honestly, this is ridiculous at this point. I doubt any of us have the time to go back and forth on this anymore. But, I appreciate these boards to the extent there are a number of opinions and candid feelings shared. I shared my thought process as to why I decided based on my child, my district etc. why my child will take the test. And, I was attacked for it. My child was attacked for it as well as my school district. Utterly ridiculous! Clearly I'm not the only one who is not opting out as 20 vs. 30 posters said they are NOT opting out. But, obviously no one is going to say why and get attacked! I'm not going to go back and quote all the personal attacks that were totally off base, unfounded and false because I just don't have the time. My responses since then were in response to the above and what followed. Yes, I have made this decision for my child because, like I have said, in my district it would be detrimental to him to have him opt out. My references to responses on this thread and others were merely that many posters explained why they were opting out based on THEIR OWN child as well. At the end of the day no matter how good we are as people and want to help others - opting out of a state test does not make you a better person and the fact that this thread went in this direction is honestly insane.
Simmer down.....absolutely NO ONE attacked your child. NO ONE. I think you are seriously blowing this out of proportion, no one is attacking anyone. Simmer down.
This is why I said, yes or no only.....you opened this can of worms. You already had other threads on this same topic not sure why you had to ALSO explain here.
Either way, you were NOT attacked, you want to talk about SPIN and the pot calling the kettle black.
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| Posted 3/21/16 11:50 AM |
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sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!
Member since 1/07 9764 total posts
Name:
Tricia
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
My child is only in first grade. However, I would be. I didn't answer the poll.
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| Posted 3/22/16 4:05 PM |
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Is there any benefit to the student who does well on the tests?
Or if they fail or do poorly, is there a negative aspect that happens to the student?
Im torn on what to do. Teachers, politics, etc. aside, what are the pros/cons for the child? Who sees these grades? Surely the grades in 3rd grade have no impact on what college they can get into, right?
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| Posted 3/22/16 9:56 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 MrsDiamondgrlie
Is there any benefit to the student who does well on the tests?
Or if they fail or do poorly, is there a negative aspect that happens to the student?
Im torn on what to do. Teachers, politics, etc. aside, what are the pros/cons for the child? Who sees these grades? Surely the grades in 3rd grade have no impact on what college they can get into, right?
The scores have absolutely no impact positive or negative on a student. They do not go on college transcripts.
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| Posted 3/22/16 10:16 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 MrsDiamondgrlie
Is there any benefit to the student who does well on the tests?
Or if they fail or do poorly, is there a negative aspect that happens to the student?
Im torn on what to do. Teachers, politics, etc. aside, what are the pros/cons for the child? Who sees these grades? Surely the grades in 3rd grade have no impact on what college they can get into, right?
There is absolutely no impact at all. My son had received 1's and 2's on these tests when he was in 3-8 (he is in special ed), and there was no impact for him failing them. They don't prevent advancement. There is no reward for doing well on them either. Now I've seen some people say on here that these test scores determine placement for AP classes, etc., but I don't know how that is possible, since the scores are not even released until the Summer time, well after schedules/class assignments are completed.
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| Posted 3/23/16 7:14 AM |
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Thank you for the help.
I'm curious how DS will do, he doesn't mind taking tests and if he does poorly and I say "no worries about the score", then he won't care either.
I just was worried that there would be a change in how the school would treat him academically based on these tests. If there isn't any impact on him, himself, I guess I won't be opting out.
Just my personal choice. I truly see and understand both sides.
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| Posted 3/23/16 8:39 AM |
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Bebelove
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/12 742 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
No, DC will be taking the test.
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| Posted 3/23/16 10:52 AM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by MrsDiamondgrlie
Is there any benefit to the student who does well on the tests?
Or if they fail or do poorly, is there a negative aspect that happens to the student?
Im torn on what to do. Teachers, politics, etc. aside, what are the pros/cons for the child? Who sees these grades? Surely the grades in 3rd grade have no impact on what college they can get into, right?
There is absolutely no impact at all. My son had received 1's and 2's on these tests when he was in 3-8 (he is in special ed), and there was no impact for him failing them. They don't prevent advancement. There is no reward for doing well on them either. Now I've seen some people say on here that these test scores determine placement for AP classes, etc., but I don't know how that is possible, since the scores are not even released until the Summer time, well after schedules/class assignments are completed.
Not exactly true. I have seen kids who do well in school receive a 1 or 2 on the tests and were subsequently placed in AIS Services for reading or math when they didn't need it. But nothing with long term impact. My daughter opted out in 7th and 8th and is now in Ap and honors classes in 10th.
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| Posted 3/23/16 2:41 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Are you opting-out ?
I didn't want to quote because it's getting too long but yes if a student gets a 1 or a low 2 a school has to by law offer AIS services. It is the parents right to refuse such services and there is no impact on the child.
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| Posted 3/23/16 4:44 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 busymomonli
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by MrsDiamondgrlie
Is there any benefit to the student who does well on the tests?
Or if they fail or do poorly, is there a negative aspect that happens to the student?
Im torn on what to do. Teachers, politics, etc. aside, what are the pros/cons for the child? Who sees these grades? Surely the grades in 3rd grade have no impact on what college they can get into, right?
There is absolutely no impact at all. My son had received 1's and 2's on these tests when he was in 3-8 (he is in special ed), and there was no impact for him failing them. They don't prevent advancement. There is no reward for doing well on them either. Now I've seen some people say on here that these test scores determine placement for AP classes, etc., but I don't know how that is possible, since the scores are not even released until the Summer time, well after schedules/class assignments are completed.
Not exactly true. I have seen kids who do well in school receive a 1 or 2 on the tests and were subsequently placed in AIS Services for reading or math when they didn't need it. But nothing with long term impact. My daughter opted out in 7th and 8th and is now in Ap and honors classes in 10th.
I believe our district has done away with the AIS services, which were optional. But yes, that was how it was when my son was little (before Common core even)
Message edited 3/23/2016 6:43:21 PM.
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| Posted 3/23/16 6:42 PM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
No never have opted my kids out and this will be our 5th year. We are in queens. I don't put pressure and tell them it's just a test. I don't want them to think they can out of things is the main reason I never considered it
dd2 got extra time the 1st 2 years.
Very few in our area opt out.
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| Posted 3/23/16 6:54 PM |
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mommyof3girls
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2773 total posts
Name:
Sue
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
I'm from Queens and we're opting out. When I met with her teacher she told me that if my child receives a 1-2 she will have to go to summer school. I was told these test wouldn't affect her but apparently they do. I also heard from another LI mom that her child took the test last year. She was an honorable student and because she scored low, they placed her in a lower class.
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| Posted 3/24/16 10:18 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 ?
Posted by mommyof3girls
I'm from Queens and we're opting out. When I met with her teacher she told me that if my child receives a 1-2 she will have to go to summer school. I was told these test wouldn't affect her but apparently they do. I also heard from another LI mom that her child took the test last year. She was an honorable student and because she scored low, they placed her in a lower class.
That is a DISTRICT determination not a STATE TEST determination. My district and I know of several others that put NO merit in these tests to determine placement except POSSIBLE AIS placement. In our district they ARE NOT used to determine honors placement and are not permitted BY LAW to use the state test (if they use them at all) as the SOLE determining factor. Please understand this is NOT a function of the test and its usage but a determination of the individual districts and their criteria for Honors placement.
Children DO NOT go to Summer School for scoring a 1-2, thats simply untrue. They may be recommended for AIS services IN SCHOOL during the year but no, not summer school. Half the island would have been in summer school last year, so that is simply untrue.
Here is the NYS LAW regarding the tests for placement usage:
NYS LAW regarding using state test scores for student promotion and placement:
The 2014 - 2015 NYS Budget Legislation mandated that NYS ELA& Math exams may NOT be the sole determining factor in student placement orpromotion
Utilization of Test Data
Individual student scores on the state 3-8 ELA and mathassessments may not be placed on a students’ official transcript or maintainedin a students’ permanent record, but may be used in required state and federalreporting.
Notice must be provided to parents that the 3-8 ELA and mathresults will not be included on official transcripts or maintained in thestudents’ permanent record. The above provisions expire on December 31, 2018.
Promotion/Placement
Student promotion and placement decisions may not be based uponresults of the state 3-8 ELA and math assessments. Such results may be a factorin such decisions, along with other measures. The promotion and placement policy shall be provided to parents annually.
Pre-K – 2 Test Ban
The commissioner is to promulgate regulations prohibiting standardized tests, but not those required by federal law or those designed to demonstrateapplication of knowledge and skills.
To be recommended for Summer School, they have to fall within the bottom 10% of the scores AND the promotion packet filled out by the district and the rest of the set of measurable skills throughout the year (i.e. class performance, teacher evaluation, and other NON STATE assessment measures). It is NOT true that any student who scores a 1-2 attends summer school.
http://www.spackenkillschools.org/sites/default/files/Spackenkill%20UFSD%20-%20Statement%20of%202014-2015%20Legislative%20Changes.pdf
Message edited 3/24/2016 1:23:19 PM.
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| Posted 3/24/16 1:22 PM |
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Kate
*****
Member since 5/05 7557 total posts
Name:
Kate
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Are you opting-out ?
Qualifying for the Challenge and Discovery program in my district is based on a few factors. One of them is the CoGat test, which my son did not do well enough on. Another thing they looked at were the state tests. My son got a perfect score on the math, and I know this helped him qualify for C&D. If we had opted out, he would not be in C&D, a program that he loves and where he is learning so much.
Anyone who says the tests mean NOTHING is wrong.
Message edited 3/24/2016 4:17:55 PM.
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| Posted 3/24/16 4:17 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by Kate
Qualifying for the Challenge and Discovery program in my district is based on a few factors. One of them is the CoGat test, which my son did not do well enough on. Another thing they looked at were the state tests. My son got a perfect score on the math, and I know this helped him qualify for C&D. If we had opted out, he would not be in C&D, a program that he loves and where he is learning so much.
Anyone who says the tests mean NOTHING is wrong.
See our district first uses the CogATs. They must get a certain score, if they do not get that magic number or higher, nothing will get them in to the program. Then in 4th I believe it is the CogATs plus the state assessment, but if they opt out, the child has to take the Iowa's to qualify. I understand they had quite a few take the iowa's last year.
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| Posted 3/24/16 5:40 PM |
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kgs11
LIF Adult
Member since 2/07 1424 total posts
Name:
Kim
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
In the city, kids will absolutely go to summer school if they get a 1.
In the city, state test scores are used for entrance to middle schools, junior highs, and for placement or tracking.
It's a different ballgame than on Long Island, and anyone who says otherwise is misinformed.
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| Posted 3/24/16 6:08 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 kgs11
In the city, kids will absolutely go to summer school if they get a 1.
In the city, state test scores are used for entrance to middle schools, junior highs, and for placement or tracking.
It's a different ballgame than on Long Island, and anyone who says otherwise is misinformed.
Sorry but you are wrong. It is a state law that these tests alone starting last year can not be the only reason that a student is promoted or sent to summer school. Below was taken from a FAQ website regarding the tests for NYC.
******
Up until last year, promotion to the next grade in NYC was based on state test scores. That’s no longer the case: state law now specifies that standardized test scores cannot be the sole or even primary criterion for promotion. Promotion is based on the teacher’s assessment of whether your child is ready for the next grade.
If there is a question about whether to promote a child, the teacher creates a portfolio with samples of the student’s work which is reviewed by the principal. According to the Department of Education’s Frequently Asked Questions (DOE FAQ), “Schools may not require students to complete a promotion portfolio simply because a student does not take the State test” (p.2).[3]
Although some principals are telling parents that their child will not be promoted or must attend summer school if they do not take the state tests, this is not true. If the principal threatens your child with any negative consequences for opting out, refer him or her to the DOE FAQ.
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| Posted 3/24/16 6:54 PM |
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kgs11
LIF Adult
Member since 2/07 1424 total posts
Name:
Kim
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
You can quote all you want. I work in a city school and I know what data they use to make decisions.
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| Posted 3/24/16 7:44 PM |
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Adri
Joy!
Member since 5/05 3116 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
Posted by kgs11
In the city, kids will absolutely go to summer school if they get a 1.
In the city, state test scores are used for entrance to middle schools, junior highs, and for placement or tracking.
It's a different ballgame than on Long Island, and anyone who says otherwise is misinformed.
I don't know too much about kids going to summer school, but I was told it was not the case, specially considering the results are out at the end of august - but it's something I don't know for a fact.
Middle school acceptance was one of the main reasons deciding not to opt out - in 3rd grade, because we wanted DS to know how the tests were, and 4rd to have the option to apply to another ms. However, while in the process, I read that if a kid opted out they could apply regardless. I wonder how that works. In my school I know of only 1 student that didn't take the tests last year in 4rd grade.
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| Posted 3/24/16 7:53 PM |
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kgs11
LIF Adult
Member since 2/07 1424 total posts
Name:
Kim
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Re: Are you opting-out ?
We get pass/fail cut scores in June- we don't get official scaled scores until August.
If you think I am lying, that's fine. I am not. Another reason to opt out as far as I am concerned.
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| Posted 3/24/16 7:56 PM |
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