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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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If your child is in a testing grade...
Will they be taking the test or "opting out"?
I have a lot of feelings on the subject as both a mom and a teacher. My stance over the last few years has changed pretty drastically. At first when the whole opt out movement started I though maybe it wouldn't send the right message to kids etc., maybe those parents were overreacting, etc.
With the new changes that Governor Cuomo wants to put in place, I now see the picture very clearly. These tests have nothing to do with our children and everything to do with money and a political agenda. So in no way am I trying to start drama, but I am legitimately curious as to other parents feelings on this. Especially ones who are not teachers themselves. Are you aware of the changes Cuomo wants? Just trying to get a feeling as to whether or not this is something that's really out there or if it's just something that I as a teacher am more familiar with. Please share your thoughts, respectfully  .
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Posted 2/28/15 4:53 PM  |
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
I only don't opt out because my child does all the work all year long. That is the only reason.
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| Posted 2/28/15 6:57 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
Name:
The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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If your child is in a testing grade...
This is just one of the many reasons my child goes to an independent day school.
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| Posted 2/28/15 11:13 PM |
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Adri
Joy!
Member since 5/05 3116 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
I'm not aware about the changes. I know tests are not age appropriate. My school and others in the area had a lot to say about it that last year (when DS was in 3rd grade), and even our principal thought the questions were too hard and tricky.
DS was stressed, even though we told him he didn't have to worry about it. This year, I hope he is less stress, because he had last year's experience. Saying that, I think the tests are good 'preparation' - not academically!, but in terms of time organization and stress management.
I don't care about the results and I don't share them with him.
DS will probably go to a public HS (right now he goes public), and those I'm searching, look for grades, tests scores and absences. So we don't have any option than prepare him to be stress free for the tests, while making him understand that those numbers, don't have anything to do with the wonderful kid he is.
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| Posted 3/1/15 1:08 AM |
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MrsGmomof3
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Member since 6/08 3290 total posts
Name:
Irrelevant
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
I am also a teacher and I am also opting my kids out.
1. The tests mean nothing academically
2. The tests are inappropriate, ambiguous, and purposefully confusing.
3. My kids are more than one test score
4. My kids teachers are more than one test score
5. Cuomo has declared war on teachers because they did not support his re-election campaign.
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| Posted 3/1/15 8:01 AM |
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FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Opting Out for all the reasons posted.
Our PUBLIC School System is being sold to the highest bidder without any regard to what's best for our children.
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| Posted 3/1/15 8:22 AM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by MrsGmomof3
I am also a teacher and I am also opting my kids out.
1. The tests mean nothing academically
2. The tests are inappropriate, ambiguous, and purposefully confusing.
3. My kids are more than one test score
4. My kids teachers are more than one test score
5. Cuomo has declared war on teachers because they did not support his re-election campaign.
Totally agree...I also have opted my children out of any district assessments used for teacher ratings.
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| Posted 3/1/15 9:05 AM |
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PatsBrat
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 2326 total posts
Name:
Ms. Brat
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by cj7305
Will they be taking the test or "opting out"?
I have a lot of feelings on the subject as both a mom and a teacher. My stance over the last few years has changed pretty drastically. At first when the whole opt out movement started I though maybe it wouldn't send the right message to kids etc., maybe those parents were overreacting, etc.
With the new changes that Governor Cuomo wants to put in place, I now see the picture very clearly. These tests have nothing to do with our children and everything to do with money and a political agenda. So in no way am I trying to start drama, but I am legitimately curious as to other parents feelings on this. Especially ones who are not teachers themselves. Are you aware of the changes Cuomo wants? Just trying to get a feeling as to whether or not this is something that's really out there or if it's just something that I as a teacher am more familiar with. Please share your thoughts, respectfully .
I could've written this myself, word for word!
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| Posted 3/1/15 1:59 PM |
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Palebride
I am an amazing bakist
Member since 5/05 13673 total posts
Name:
Lori
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by MrsGmomof3
I am also a teacher and I am also opting my kids out.
1. The tests mean nothing academically
2. The tests are inappropriate, ambiguous, and purposefully confusing.
3. My kids are more than one test score
4. My kids teachers are more than one test score
5. Cuomo has declared war on teachers because they did not support his re-election campaign.
This exactly.
My daughter will be in 3rd grade next year. Initially, I thought I'd let her take it and see how she feels. I was afraid that she'd be stressed if she was one of the few kids NOT taking the tests...because she's very much a rule-follower.
But her principal sent home a letter the other day detailing our options as parents in terms of the test, and what to do if we don't want our children taking them. So I have a feeling there will be quite a few kids not taking it. And, as a teacher, I see how destructive these tests can be. I don't need to subject my daughter to that. She has wonderful teachers who do an amazing job teaching her....I'm confident that she's learning exactly what she needs to to be successful in life.
Screw the tests.
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| Posted 3/1/15 3:29 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by MrsGmomof3
I am also a teacher and I am also opting my kids out.
1. The tests mean nothing academically
2. The tests are inappropriate, ambiguous, and purposefully confusing.
3. My kids are more than one test score
4. My kids teachers are more than one test score
5. Cuomo has declared war on teachers because they did not support his re-election campaign.
YES x's 5!!!!
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| Posted 3/1/15 6:26 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by Adri
I'm not aware about the changes. I know tests are not age appropriate. My school and others in the area had a lot to say about it that last year (when DS was in 3rd grade), and even our principal thought the questions were too hard and tricky.
DS was stressed, even though we told him he didn't have to worry about it. This year, I hope he is less stress, because he had last year's experience. Saying that, I think the tests are good 'preparation' - not academically!, but in terms of time organization and stress management.
I don't care about the results and I don't share them with him.
DS will probably go to a public HS (right now he goes public), and those I'm searching, look for grades, tests scores and absences. So we don't have any option than prepare him to be stress free for the tests, while making him understand that those numbers, don't have anything to do with the wonderful kid he is.
In the past we always told the kids it didn't matter how they did, it wasn't reflective of them. Although that second part is true, sadly it DOES matter to the teachers.
In Cuomo's new plan:
- 50 % of a teacher's APPR (yearly grade) will be taken from the test scores of their class.
-35% will be given by an outside person (who knows nothing about you OR the children in the class) who Cuomo will pay to come observe the teacher, make a snap judgement on a single lesson and give their opinion.
-The final 15% will be given by the principals of the teacher.
The observations have always been done by the principals but Cuomo feels that they are lying because so many teachers got effective or highly effective. SO basically he gives zero professional respect to these administrators. I believe they should be up in arms. There is just so much wrong going on it's honesty mind blowing. There are many rallies going on around LI to help inform parents. I am going to the one in Patchogue on Thursday. I urge anyone who cares about the state of public education to go to be aware of what is truly going on.
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| Posted 3/1/15 6:41 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Ugh sorry can't get link to post of forum dates.
Message edited 3/1/2015 6:58:18 PM.
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| Posted 3/1/15 6:47 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Our School.. Our Community... Our Voice:
Thursday March 5th
7-8:30
Saxton Middle School
121 Saxton Street
Patchogue NY 11772
Message edited 3/1/2015 7:04:10 PM.
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| Posted 3/1/15 6:56 PM |
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ziamaria
I love this boy!
Member since 4/07 3372 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by cj7305
Posted by Adri
I'm not aware about the changes. I know tests are not age appropriate. My school and others in the area had a lot to say about it that last year (when DS was in 3rd grade), and even our principal thought the questions were too hard and tricky.
DS was stressed, even though we told him he didn't have to worry about it. This year, I hope he is less stress, because he had last year's experience. Saying that, I think the tests are good 'preparation' - not academically!, but in terms of time organization and stress management.
I don't care about the results and I don't share them with him.
DS will probably go to a public HS (right now he goes public), and those I'm searching, look for grades, tests scores and absences. So we don't have any option than prepare him to be stress free for the tests, while making him understand that those numbers, don't have anything to do with the wonderful kid he is.
In the past we always told the kids it didn't matter how they did, it wasn't reflective of them. Although that second part is true, sadly it DOES matter to the teachers.
In Cuomo's new plan:
- 50 % of a teacher's APPR (yearly grade) will be taken from the test scores of their class.
-35% will be given by an outside person (who knows nothing about you OR the children in the class) who Cuomo will pay to come observe the teacher, make a snap judgement on a single lesson and give their opinion.
-The final 15% will be given by the principals of the teacher.
The observations have always been done by the principals but Cuomo feels that they are lying because so many teachers got effective or highly effective. SO basically he gives zero professional respect to these administrators. I believe they should be up in arms. There is just so much wrong going on it's honesty mind blowing. There are many rallies going on around LI to help inform parents. I am going to the one in Patchogue on Thursday. I urge anyone who cares about the state of public education to go to be aware of what is truly going on.
As a teacher and parent, I agree 100% with everything said!
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| Posted 3/1/15 7:44 PM |
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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If your child is in a testing grade...
My DS goes to Catholic school and although they take the tests, it has no bearing on the teachers at all. My DS feels absolutely no stress taking them and always thinks he did great on them. So, he'll be taking them because in the future, he will have to take tests (PSAT, SAT, etc) and I want him to be used to the format, the time limits, etc. I want them to be just another test to him so he doesn't feel the stress. And although to me they don't mean any more than any other test, I do like to see where he stands and what we need to work on.
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| Posted 3/1/15 9:24 PM |
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ElizaRags35
My 2 Girls
Member since 2/09 20494 total posts
Name:
Me
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If your child is in a testing grade...
Crashing but if DD was in school, I'd opt her out.
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| Posted 3/1/15 9:28 PM |
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Mom-of-one
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/08 677 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by FranM
Opting Out for all the reasons posted.
Our PUBLIC School System is being sold to the highest bidder without any regard to what's best for our children.
This.
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| Posted 3/1/15 9:28 PM |
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2BadSoSad
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6791 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
We are opting out
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| Posted 3/1/15 11:22 PM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by MrsGmomof3
I am also a teacher and I am also opting my kids out.
1. The tests mean nothing academically
2. The tests are inappropriate, ambiguous, and purposefully confusing.
3. My kids are more than one test score
4. My kids teachers are more than one test score
5. Cuomo has declared war on teachers because they did not support his re-election campaign.
We will be opting out for our third year in a row.
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| Posted 3/2/15 9:54 AM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
My child will be in a testing grade next year. I truly have not heard of anyone in my district opting out so if they are doing it, it's being done very quietly.
My question is this - if you are in a district that uses these tests as a main basis for placement of the kids in enriched math (year ahead), science, and ELA and you know that you have a very smart kid that belongs in these classes and will be bored out of their mind if they are not in it - HOW do you not take the test? Do you go to the principal and discuss? But, I can't imagine the other parents won't go nuts about the unfairness of your child getting into the program without taking these tests when there are kids that could get in on all other factors but, don't perform well. Especially teachers, pls let me know how you get around this I am very interested.
THANK YOU!
ETA: I am not referring to G and T programs which are decided not on the ELA type tests but the IQ type of testing...
Message edited 3/2/2015 10:58:50 AM.
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| Posted 3/2/15 10:54 AM |
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MrsGmomof3
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Member since 6/08 3290 total posts
Name:
Irrelevant
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by itsbabytime
My child will be in a testing grade next year. I truly have not heard of anyone in my district opting out so if they are doing it, it's being done very quietly.
My question is this - if you are in a district that uses these tests as a main basis for placement of the kids in enriched math (year ahead), science, and ELA and you know that you have a very smart kid that belongs in these classes and will be bored out of their mind if they are not in it - HOW do you not take the test? Do you go to the principal and discuss? But, I can't imagine the other parents won't go nuts about the unfairness of your child getting into the program without taking these tests when there are kids that could get in on all other factors but, don't perform well. Especially teachers, pls let me know how you get around this I am very interested.
THANK YOU!
ETA: I am not referring to G and T programs which are decided not on the ELA type tests but the IQ type of testing...
I honestly do not know of ANY districts that use these tests for that purpose. Considering the results aren't available until October or November of the following school year. In both the district where I live and the district where I work, placement in AP or advanced classes is based upon the assessments done in school by their teachers, report card grades, and recommendations. The "enrichment" programs at the elementary level usually ARE the G&T programs.
I bet your district has a lot of people opting their kids out. Ask around. It is becoming the norm.
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| Posted 3/2/15 11:12 AM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by MrsGmomof3
Posted by itsbabytime
My child will be in a testing grade next year. I truly have not heard of anyone in my district opting out so if they are doing it, it's being done very quietly.
My question is this - if you are in a district that uses these tests as a main basis for placement of the kids in enriched math (year ahead), science, and ELA and you know that you have a very smart kid that belongs in these classes and will be bored out of their mind if they are not in it - HOW do you not take the test? Do you go to the principal and discuss? But, I can't imagine the other parents won't go nuts about the unfairness of your child getting into the program without taking these tests when there are kids that could get in on all other factors but, don't perform well. Especially teachers, pls let me know how you get around this I am very interested.
THANK YOU!
ETA: I am not referring to G and T programs which are decided not on the ELA type tests but the IQ type of testing...
I honestly do not know of ANY districts that use these tests for that purpose. Considering the results aren't available until October or November of the following school year. In both the district where I live and the district where I work, placement in AP or advanced classes is based upon the assessments done in school by their teachers, report card grades, and recommendations. The "enrichment" programs at the elementary level usually ARE the G&T programs.
I bet your district has a lot of people opting their kids out. Ask around. It is becoming the norm.
ITA. I have never heard of these tests being used for this. In fact, often teachers are not even given the scores and if they are it isn't until the following year!
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| Posted 3/2/15 12:51 PM |
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busymomonli
Resident Insomniac
Member since 4/13 2050 total posts
Name:
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If your child is in a testing grade...
They are supposed to use a combination of your childs classwork, weekly test grades, participation, and overall course grade (gasp!) to determine entry into advanced placement. NOT this test.
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| Posted 3/2/15 12:55 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by busymomonli
They are supposed to use a combination of your childs classwork, weekly test grades, participation, and overall course grade (gasp!) to determine entry into advanced placement. NOT this test.
Yes!!
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| Posted 3/2/15 3:36 PM |
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itsbabytime
LIF Adult
Member since 11/05 9644 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by MrsGmomof3
Posted by itsbabytime
My child will be in a testing grade next year. I truly have not heard of anyone in my district opting out so if they are doing it, it's being done very quietly.
My question is this - if you are in a district that uses these tests as a main basis for placement of the kids in enriched math (year ahead), science, and ELA and you know that you have a very smart kid that belongs in these classes and will be bored out of their mind if they are not in it - HOW do you not take the test? Do you go to the principal and discuss? But, I can't imagine the other parents won't go nuts about the unfairness of your child getting into the program without taking these tests when there are kids that could get in on all other factors but, don't perform well. Especially teachers, pls let me know how you get around this I am very interested.
THANK YOU!
ETA: I am not referring to G and T programs which are decided not on the ELA type tests but the IQ type of testing...
I honestly do not know of ANY districts that use these tests for that purpose. Considering the results aren't available until October or November of the following school year. In both the district where I live and the district where I work, placement in AP or advanced classes is based upon the assessments done in school by their teachers, report card grades, and recommendations. The "enrichment" programs at the elementary level usually ARE the G&T programs.
I bet your district has a lot of people opting their kids out. Ask around. It is becoming the norm.
I will send you FM but, just to clarify for those that may be looking to make this decision - I am referring to elementary school and I am 100 percent certain that what I am saying is correct.
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| Posted 3/2/15 5:31 PM |
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