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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by Beachbody-Karen Gampel
The schools are NOT ALLOWED to use the NYS assessments for placement purposes.
Please show me where you have read this information because, they are absolutely - printed in black and white - using the math and ela scores for placement in enrichment programs in our district.
Doesn't your district use CogATs?
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Posted 3/7/15 3:32 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 Kate
I was against opting out at first. Then I saw a practice ELA test that my third grader took. It was so developmentally inappropriate, it was laughable. I do agree that there is too much standardized testing and I feel like our only way to protest is to opt out. I haven't sent a letter yet, but I am considering it.
Exactly. The difference pre common core and now is unbelievable.
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| Posted 3/7/15 8:27 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...
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form. Image Attachment(s):
Message edited 3/8/2015 4:41:59 PM.
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| Posted 3/8/15 4:40 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 Lillykat
Posted by itsbabytime
Posted by Beachbody-Karen Gampel
The schools are NOT ALLOWED to use the NYS assessments for placement purposes.
Please show me where you have read this information because, they are absolutely - printed in black and white - using the math and ela scores for placement in enrichment programs in our district.
Doesn't your district use CogATs?
No.
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| Posted 3/8/15 5:10 PM |
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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
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
I saw that, but I don't like the fact that it asks the school to provide an alternate activity. As a teacher, I wouldn't want that to fall on my child's teacher. I'm sure she has more than enough to do. I will just send them in with a few new books to keep them occupied.
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| Posted 3/8/15 7:14 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 PatsBrat
Posted by cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
I saw that, but I don't like the fact that it asks the school to provide an alternate activity. As a teacher, I wouldn't want that to fall on my child's teacher. I'm sure she has more than enough to do. I will just send them in with a few new books to keep them occupied.
 I can definitely see that. Good for you!
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| Posted 3/8/15 8:05 PM |
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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 cj7305
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
I saw that, but I don't like the fact that it asks the school to provide an alternate activity. As a teacher, I wouldn't want that to fall on my child's teacher. I'm sure she has more than enough to do. I will just send them in with a few new books to keep them occupied.
I can definitely see that. Good for you!
The schools with children opting out (and there are a LOT of them) are supposed to provide the students with another place to go during the testing, They are not supposed to be in their classrooms with testing students because they are not allowed to have anything out on their desks during testing. (This was the controversial 'sit and stare' policy some districts instilled a few years ago). The non-testers in my kids school are taken to the library or computer lab. This year, because they are expecting a LOT of opt outs, they will be in the cafeteria, reading books, or doing other classwork or homework.
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| Posted 3/9/15 4:46 PM |
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
I have a second grader and was not going to think about it yet. But I saw an ad on Craiglist for scorers for the 5th and 8th grade test and decided that my kid is not going to take a test that is scored by a temp making $11 an hour. They don't even need a degree, just 48 credits and 2 English classes.
I was a teacher and my principal only sent experienced teachers to score the ELA. It's insulting that they put all this emphasis on tests when almost anyone can score it.
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| Posted 3/9/15 6:35 PM |
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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 MrsGmomof3
Posted by cj7305
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
I saw that, but I don't like the fact that it asks the school to provide an alternate activity. As a teacher, I wouldn't want that to fall on my child's teacher. I'm sure she has more than enough to do. I will just send them in with a few new books to keep them occupied.
I can definitely see that. Good for you!
The schools with children opting out (and there are a LOT of them) are supposed to provide the students with another place to go during the testing, They are not supposed to be in their classrooms with testing students because they are not allowed to have anything out on their desks during testing. (This was the controversial 'sit and stare' policy some districts instilled a few years ago). The non-testers in my kids school are taken to the library or computer lab. This year, because they are expecting a LOT of opt outs, they will be in the cafeteria, reading books, or doing other classwork or homework.
Actually that's not quite true. It states very clearly in the teacher's testing manual that children who are finished can read quietly at their desks. Some districts discourage this because they don't want kids rushing to finish so they can read. A child who has no testing materials on his desk because he/she is refusing can read a book quietly while others are working.
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| Posted 3/9/15 7:57 PM |
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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 MrsProfessor
I have a second grader and was not going to think about it yet. But I saw an ad on Craiglist for scorers for the 5th and 8th grade test and decided that my kid is not going to take a test that is scored by a temp making $11 an hour. They don't even need a degree, just 48 credits and 2 English classes.
Excellent point and I totally agree!
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| Posted 3/9/15 7:58 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 PatsBrat
Posted by MrsProfessor
I have a second grader and was not going to think about it yet. But I saw an ad on Craiglist for scorers for the 5th and 8th grade test and decided that my kid is not going to take a test that is scored by a temp making $11 an hour. They don't even need a degree, just 48 credits and 2 English classes.
Excellent point and I totally agree!
Ditto!
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| Posted 3/9/15 8:47 PM |
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Teachergal
We made a snowman!
Member since 1/08 3239 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by MrsGmomof3
Posted by cj7305
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
I saw that, but I don't like the fact that it asks the school to provide an alternate activity. As a teacher, I wouldn't want that to fall on my child's teacher. I'm sure she has more than enough to do. I will just send them in with a few new books to keep them occupied.
I can definitely see that. Good for you!
The schools with children opting out (and there are a LOT of them) are supposed to provide the students with another place to go during the testing, They are not supposed to be in their classrooms with testing students because they are not allowed to have anything out on their desks during testing. (This was the controversial 'sit and stare' policy some districts instilled a few years ago). The non-testers in my kids school are taken to the library or computer lab. This year, because they are expecting a LOT of opt outs, they will be in the cafeteria, reading books, or doing other classwork or homework.
Actually that's not quite true. It states very clearly in the teacher's testing manual that children who are finished can read quietly at their desks. Some districts discourage this because they don't want kids rushing to finish so they can read. A child who has no testing materials on his desk because he/she is refusing can read a book quietly while others are working.
Just to be clear, taking the material early is at the discretion of the district. They do not have to allow that. Districts are within their rights to say that the test has to sit in front of the child the entire time.
ETA: this is what it says exactly:
Students who finish their test before the allocated time expires should be encouraged to go back and
check their work. Once the student checks his or her work, or chooses not to, test materials may be
collected by the proctor. After a student’s test materials are collected, that student may be permitted to
read silently. This privilege is granted at the discretion of each school. No talking and no other schoolwork
is permitted. If all students complete the test earlier than the allotted time, you may end the session.
Message edited 3/10/2015 7:08:13 AM.
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| Posted 3/10/15 7:06 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 Teachergal
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by MrsGmomof3
Posted by cj7305
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
I saw that, but I don't like the fact that it asks the school to provide an alternate activity. As a teacher, I wouldn't want that to fall on my child's teacher. I'm sure she has more than enough to do. I will just send them in with a few new books to keep them occupied.
I can definitely see that. Good for you!
The schools with children opting out (and there are a LOT of them) are supposed to provide the students with another place to go during the testing, They are not supposed to be in their classrooms with testing students because they are not allowed to have anything out on their desks during testing. (This was the controversial 'sit and stare' policy some districts instilled a few years ago). The non-testers in my kids school are taken to the library or computer lab. This year, because they are expecting a LOT of opt outs, they will be in the cafeteria, reading books, or doing other classwork or homework.
Actually that's not quite true. It states very clearly in the teacher's testing manual that children who are finished can read quietly at their desks. Some districts discourage this because they don't want kids rushing to finish so they can read. A child who has no testing materials on his desk because he/she is refusing can read a book quietly while others are working.
Just to be clear, taking the material early is at the discretion of the district. They do not have to allow that. Districts are within their rights to say that the test has to sit in front of the child the entire time.
ETA: this is what it says exactly:
Students who finish their test before the allocated time expires should be encouraged to go back and
check their work. Once the student checks his or her work, or chooses not to, test materials may be
collected by the proctor. After a student’s test materials are collected, that student may be permitted to
read silently. This privilege is granted at the discretion of each school. No talking and no other schoolwork
is permitted. If all students complete the test earlier than the allotted time, you may end the session.
That's pretty much what I said. 
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| Posted 3/10/15 7:36 AM |
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Teachergal
We made a snowman!
Member since 1/08 3239 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by PatsBrat
That's pretty much what I said.
I took out all the quoting because it was getting too long.
I guess what I mean is, for some kids who opt out, they are not allowed to take out a book and read. They literally have to sit there staring into space for the duration of the test.  It is hard to watch. Because of the vague language in the directions it is up to the discretion of each building to make that decision.
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| Posted 3/10/15 5:06 PM |
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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 Teachergal
Posted by PatsBrat
That's pretty much what I said.
I took out all the quoting because it was getting too long.
I guess what I mean is, for some kids who opt out, they are not allowed to take out a book and read. They literally have to sit there staring into space for the duration of the test. It is hard to watch. Because of the vague language in the directions it is up to the discretion of each building to make that decision.
Oh I see exactly what you meant and you're right, that's terrible and I feel bad for those kids. I feel fortunate that neither my home district or my work district operate that way.
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| Posted 3/10/15 9:16 PM |
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My2Girlz11
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/11 785 total posts
Name:
Corrie
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by cj7305
Posted by Kate
I was against opting out at first. Then I saw a practice ELA test that my third grader took. It was so developmentally inappropriate, it was laughable. I do agree that there is too much standardized testing and I feel like our only way to protest is to opt out. I haven't sent a letter yet, but I am considering it.
Exactly. The difference pre common core and now is unbelievable.
IMAGE
The questions that they ask are even more ridiculous. The whole opting out movement need to start using these examples of past tests to tests they are now giving the students as reasons why to opt out. I believe it is the strongest reason why people should be against it. It is not developmentally appropriate. I believe the state average for passing the ELA test was way less than 50%. It is just a way to say teachers aren't teaching. When in fact, the reading level of the passages for fourth and fifth graders go to mid 7th grade.
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| Posted 3/10/15 9:29 PM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by MrsGmomof3
Posted by cj7305
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
I saw that, but I don't like the fact that it asks the school to provide an alternate activity. As a teacher, I wouldn't want that to fall on my child's teacher. I'm sure she has more than enough to do. I will just send them in with a few new books to keep them occupied.
I can definitely see that. Good for you!
The schools with children opting out (and there are a LOT of them) are supposed to provide the students with another place to go during the testing, They are not supposed to be in their classrooms with testing students because they are not allowed to have anything out on their desks during testing. (This was the controversial 'sit and stare' policy some districts instilled a few years ago). The non-testers in my kids school are taken to the library or computer lab. This year, because they are expecting a LOT of opt outs, they will be in the cafeteria, reading books, or doing other classwork or homework.
Actually that's not quite true. It states very clearly in the teacher's testing manual that children who are finished can read quietly at their desks. Some districts discourage this because they don't want kids rushing to finish so they can read. A child who has no testing materials on his desk because he/she is refusing can read a book quietly while others are working.
But schools do not often follow through with this. East meadow I believe still has a sit and Stare policy even for kids who are opting out.
Message edited 3/11/2015 5:11:54 AM.
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| Posted 3/11/15 5:10 AM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
why i refuse
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| Posted 3/11/15 5:20 AM |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
I'm in Harborfields and I feel like opting out isn't even an option.  Parents don't even talk about it. It's just expected that we work with our kids (or pay someone to do it) to get them up to the level they need to be.
I would love to speak to my childrens' teachers "off-the record" to get their take on these tests, but I don't want to put them on the spot.
All I know is that based on everything I read & hear (if these "facts" are really true), there's little to no benefit to these exams.
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| Posted 3/12/15 11:48 AM |
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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...
Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. Chances are, there are other parents who feel the same way and don't want to be the only ones. Does you school district have a Facebook moms group? Bring the topic up there, or at a social event, and start asking.
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| Posted 3/12/15 2:26 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 cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
My district has an online form you fill out now that goes directly to the principal of the school you choose. You get an email and a written confirmation of your refusal. They have been VERY accommodating. We had 1200 refusals last year, highest on the Island I believe.
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| Posted 3/12/15 2:32 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
Posted by cj7305
I saw this on a FB group about opting out. Seems like a quick simple way to do it if your district is not sending home their own form.
My district has an online form you fill out now that goes directly to the principal of the school you choose. You get an email and a written confirmation of your refusal. They have been VERY accommodating. We had 1200 refusals last year, highest on the Island I believe.
Yes, I see more and more doing this which is AWESOME! I think some don't opt out because they don't really know how, think it will be a hassle, etc. Glad some districts are helping make the process more simple.
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| Posted 3/12/15 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...
Posted by Chatham-Chick
I'm in Harborfields and I feel like opting out isn't even an option. Parents don't even talk about it. It's just expected that we work with our kids (or pay someone to do it) to get them up to the level they need to be.
I would love to speak to my childrens' teachers "off-the record" to get their take on these tests, but I don't want to put them on the spot.
All I know is that based on everything I read & hear (if these "facts" are really true), there's little to no benefit to these exams.
It is 100 % fact that these tests in NO WAY benefit the child and in fact are harmful to some, to teachers and to public education as a whole. I am a mom and a teacher and honestly I almost cringe hearing myself slamming common core and encouraging people to opt- out. I was always very middle of the road. In the past it did not have such dramatic implications but Cuomo has changed the game. It is honestly a sin.
I went to the rally in Patchogue the other night, there were around 4,000 people there to show support! The speakers were incredible. It was barely a 30 second segment on News 12. Although it is picking up speed, I wish more media attention was focusing in this and spreading the facts. SO frustrated.  
Message edited 3/12/2015 6:54:46 PM.
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| Posted 3/12/15 6:53 PM |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Ugh, my DD came home with a review book for the ELA assessments and holy cow, is that stuff advanced for their age! I've been complaining about these tests to my DH and this was the first time he was able to see for himself what is asked/expected of them.
It's challenging trying to hide my anger and frustration from my DC. I can't help but shake my head when going over homework with them.
I just don't understand how common core is supposed to "even" everything??? I would imagine that students who come from lower economic areas (and are more likely to come from homes with little to no supervision) struggle with this curriculum and assessments. How does this help those students???
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| Posted 3/16/15 10:20 PM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: If your child is in a testing grade...
Posted by cj7305
Posted by Chatham-Chick
I'm in Harborfields and I feel like opting out isn't even an option. Parents don't even talk about it. It's just expected that we work with our kids (or pay someone to do it) to get them up to the level they need to be.
I would love to speak to my childrens' teachers "off-the record" to get their take on these tests, but I don't want to put them on the spot.
All I know is that based on everything I read & hear (if these "facts" are really true), there's little to no benefit to these exams.
It is 100 % fact that these tests in NO WAY benefit the child and in fact are harmful to some, to teachers and to public education as a whole. I am a mom and a teacher and honestly I almost cringe hearing myself slamming common core and encouraging people to opt- out. I was always very middle of the road. In the past it did not have such dramatic implications but Cuomo has changed the game. It is honestly a sin.
I went to the rally in Patchogue the other night, there were around 4,000 people there to show support! The speakers were incredible. It was barely a 30 second segment on News 12. Although it is picking up speed, I wish more media attention was focusing in this and spreading the facts. SO frustrated.
Media is owned by rich people who are invested in common core and making money off of it. News 12 is owned by msg which is owned by the Dolan family. I am sure there would be a Dolan charter school if they could. That is why you will not really see it on media.
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| Posted 3/17/15 3:24 AM |
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