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AidansArmy
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 1292 total posts
Name:
Suzanne
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Opting Out of State Testing
This is going around several of my friends/families FB pages. There is a group called Long Island Opt-Out and Long Island Parents and Teachers Against Standardized Testing and APPR (this is just a regular page, not a group). You can view posts and responses on both. A lot of information on them. LI Opt-Out has a lot of posts. Seems to be gaining momentum.
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Posted 4/9/13 10:10 PM  |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by AidansArmy
This is going around several of my friends/families FB pages. There is a group called Long Island Opt-Out and Long Island Parents and Teachers Against Standardized Testing and APPR (this is just a regular page, not a group). You can view posts and responses on both. A lot of information on them. LI Opt-Out has a lot of posts. Seems to be gaining momentum.
I read the group posts last night. Well some of them. It bothers me though that many of the parents are using the children in their battle. They are having their children go to school, and write "opting out" or "refusing" or putting a line through the test pages. If you don't want your child take the tests, don't send them to school, or send them late, after testing is complete. Don't use your kid as your pawn.
Message edited 4/10/2013 2:27:42 PM.
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| Posted 4/10/13 11:14 AM |
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laurabora
LIF Adult
Member since 4/07 2712 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by AidansArmy
This is going around several of my friends/families FB pages. There is a group called Long Island Opt-Out and Long Island Parents and Teachers Against Standardized Testing and APPR (this is just a regular page, not a group). You can view posts and responses on both. A lot of information on them. LI Opt-Out has a lot of posts. Seems to be gaining momentum.
I read the group posts last night. Well come of them. It bothers me though that many of the parents are using the children in their battle. They are having their children go to school, and write "opting out" or "refusing" or putting a line through the test pages. If you don't want your child take the tests, don't send them to school, or send them late, after testing is complete. Don't use your kid as your pawn.
I'm still on the fence about opting out but from what I understand you will need to keep them out of school all days of the test plus the makeup day if you choose to go this route. The only way to have them officially opt out without keeping them home all those days is to have them be present and write only their name on the test.
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| Posted 4/10/13 12:21 PM |
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by stinger
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by onlylisa
I plan to have my child opt out of testing. It's appalling how everything they teach is preparation for the tests. Here is an interesting website with a lot of info:
Children Should Not Be a Number
Your child will still be learning the content that is required to take the tests though right? So what is the benefit to opting out of the testing?
I was just about to write this. They spend so much time prepping what would your child do during this time? Would you have him/her continue to prep and just not take the tests??
Yep, ITA with this. They are doing all this work since September and then they are not going to take the tests?
My kids have gone through them and still do and I really have never had a problem with them. They were never (or are) stressed over them. I think the parents are more stressed then the kids and if the kids are stressed, I think a lot of it comes from the parents as I see the parents complaining constantly about the homework and I can't see how that doesn't resinate onto the kids.
I don't want young kids to be stressed either but WHEN do parents think it will be the time to have kids be responsible for things and actually not have it "easy"? When they are in college and it is too late?
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| Posted 4/10/13 1:19 PM |
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FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
I'm quoting myself because this moved to another page. It's not about THE TEST! Posted by FranM
The opt out movement is not really about "the test. For our family it's a protest about what is happening to our children's overall education. There is so much emphasis on math and ELA that little else is being taught.
I have a 4th grader, he comes home with math and ELA homework every night - I have no problem with that. I do have a problem with the entire class receiving ELA assignments that are on a 7th grade reading level. I have a huge problem with the lack of creative writing he is assigned (1 40min session per 6 day cycle) and the lack of Science and Social Studies assignments. I am in a great district and he has a really good teacher. She has managed to fit some fun Science and SS assignments in but not to the extent that she would like - because we have to follow the Common Core. I'm very unhappy with The direction NYSDE has us are moving in. I feel like my child and his peers are missing out on a lot.
Message edited 4/10/2013 1:58:51 PM.
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| Posted 4/10/13 1:58 PM |
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by FranM
I'm quoting myself because this moved to another page. It's not about THE TEST! Posted by FranM
The opt out movement is not really about "the test. For our family it's a protest about what is happening to our children's overall education. There is so much emphasis on math and ELA that little else is being taught.
I have a 4th grader, he comes home with math and ELA homework every night - I have no problem with that. I do have a problem with the entire class receiving ELA assignments that are on a 7th grade reading level. I have a huge problem with the lack of creative writing he is assigned (1 40min session per 6 day cycle) and the lack of Science and Social Studies assignments. I am in a great district and he has a really good teacher. She has managed to fit some fun Science and SS assignments in but not to the extent that she would like - because we have to follow the Common Core. I'm very unhappy with The direction NYSDE has us are moving in. I feel like my child and his peers are missing out on a lot.
I agree that the only homework my 4th grader mostly gets is math and reading (for the ELA).
How long have these been taken, do you know, as I don't think my first child did them for 5 years?
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| Posted 4/10/13 2:15 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by afternoondelight828
Posted by stinger
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by onlylisa
I plan to have my child opt out of testing. It's appalling how everything they teach is preparation for the tests. Here is an interesting website with a lot of info:
Children Should Not Be a Number
Your child will still be learning the content that is required to take the tests though right? So what is the benefit to opting out of the testing?
I was just about to write this. They spend so much time prepping what would your child do during this time? Would you have him/her continue to prep and just not take the tests??
Yep, ITA with this. They are doing all this work since September and then they are not going to take the tests?
My kids have gone through them and still do and I really have never had a problem with them. They were never (or are) stressed over them. I think the parents are more stressed then the kids and if the kids are stressed, I think a lot of it comes from the parents as I see the parents complaining constantly about the homework and I can't see how that doesn't resinate onto the kids.
I don't want young kids to be stressed either but WHEN do parents think it will be the time to have kids be responsible for things and actually not have it "easy"? When they are in college and it is too late?
From what I understand, the content they are being tested on is not stuff they have learned yet though! I spoke with someone yesterday and her daughter is cramming to learn things this week that she will be tested on next week and the week after. Things that are normally taught in a grade above her. So I can understand that frustration now.
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| Posted 4/10/13 2:27 PM |
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by afternoondelight828
Posted by stinger
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by onlylisa
I plan to have my child opt out of testing. It's appalling how everything they teach is preparation for the tests. Here is an interesting website with a lot of info:
Children Should Not Be a Number
Your child will still be learning the content that is required to take the tests though right? So what is the benefit to opting out of the testing?
I was just about to write this. They spend so much time prepping what would your child do during this time? Would you have him/her continue to prep and just not take the tests??
Yep, ITA with this. They are doing all this work since September and then they are not going to take the tests?
My kids have gone through them and still do and I really have never had a problem with them. They were never (or are) stressed over them. I think the parents are more stressed then the kids and if the kids are stressed, I think a lot of it comes from the parents as I see the parents complaining constantly about the homework and I can't see how that doesn't resinate onto the kids.
I don't want young kids to be stressed either but WHEN do parents think it will be the time to have kids be responsible for things and actually not have it "easy"? When they are in college and it is too late?
From what I understand, the content they are being tested on is not stuff they have learned yet though! I spoke with someone yesterday and her daughter is cramming to learn things this week that she will be tested on next week and the week after. Things that are normally taught in a grade above her. So I can understand that frustration now.
I don't think that is true though since they have been doing this since September. My youngest did this last year too in 3rd. He has and does get other homework but not as nearly as much as preparations for the ELA's.
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| Posted 4/10/13 2:37 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Opting Out of State Testing
I really think that opting out of the test is not the way to go. It is not the districts or the teachers that made these tests. Its the state. The state created these tests through Pearson and not an educational panel. The tests themselves are ridiculous and I believe most of the administrators do not agree with them either. The fight needs to be brought to Albany and the governor and there needs to be a change. Pearson profits immensely from these tests and it is to the detriment of the students. It is my understanding that if a child opts out of the test they are still coded and will be placed in the bottom of the grading level. Since they are at the bottom of the grading level they will be mandated to be given AIS next year. That is a mandate from the state and can not be opted out of. So instead of letting your child take a test they will have to take extra help next year even though most of the children will not need it and the district will have to hire extra teachers to teach the AIS. Also, if at least 95% of the students do not take the test, your districts financial aid will be in jeopardy as well as the schools state rankings. That all comes back to the parents in increased taxes and your district losing its standing maybe affecting home sales. Everyone can agree the tests are wrong but to me opting out is not the way to go. I don't know what to do but it needs to start with Albany not the school district.
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| Posted 4/10/13 2:47 PM |
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by KarenK122
I really think that opting out of the test is not the way to go. It is not the districts or the teachers that made these tests. Its the state. The state created these tests through Pearson and not an educational panel. The tests themselves are ridiculous and I believe most of the administrators do not agree with them either. The fight needs to be brought to Albany and the governor and there needs to be a change. Pearson profits immensely from these tests and it is to the detriment of the students. It is my understanding that if a child opts out of the test they are still coded and will be placed in the bottom of the grading level. Since they are at the bottom of the grading level they will be mandated to be given AIS next year. That is a mandate from the state and can not be opted out of. So instead of letting your child take a test they will have to take extra help next year even though most of the children will not need it and the district will have to hire extra teachers to teach the AIS. Also, if at least 95% of the students do not take the test, your districts financial aid will be in jeopardy as well as the schools state rankings. That all comes back to the parents in increased taxes and your district losing its standing maybe affecting home sales. Everyone can agree the tests are wrong but to me opting out is not the way to go. I don't know what to do but it needs to start with Albany not the school district.
 
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| Posted 4/10/13 2:55 PM |
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juanvi
Get Out!
Member since 10/06 4463 total posts
Name:
Christina
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Absolutely. AIS for students who don't necessarily need it. Who pays for that? We do! And with tax cap it's going to cause major problems for these struggling districts. Pearson and cuomo mist be best friends
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| Posted 4/10/13 4:44 PM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by KarenK122
I really think that opting out of the test is not the way to go. It is not the districts or the teachers that made these tests. Its the state. The state created these tests through Pearson and not an educational panel. The tests themselves are ridiculous and I believe most of the administrators do not agree with them either. The fight needs to be brought to Albany and the governor and there needs to be a change. Pearson profits immensely from these tests and it is to the detriment of the students. It is my understanding that if a child opts out of the test they are still coded and will be placed in the bottom of the grading level. Since they are at the bottom of the grading level they will be mandated to be given AIS next year. That is a mandate from the state and can not be opted out of. So instead of letting your child take a test they will have to take extra help next year even though most of the children will not need it and the district will have to hire extra teachers to teach the AIS. Also, if at least 95% of the students do not take the test, your districts financial aid will be in jeopardy as well as the schools state rankings. That all comes back to the parents in increased taxes and your district losing its standing maybe affecting home sales. Everyone can agree the tests are wrong but to me opting out is not the way to go. I don't know what to do but it needs to start with Albany not the school district.
I stopped teaching in 2007 when I had DD, but yes, this is exactly what schools did if a child did not take a test. Back then no one really "opted out", but we did have a population that would visit family out of the country for extended periods of time and would miss the test.
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| Posted 4/10/13 8:42 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by KarenK122
I really think that opting out of the test is not the way to go. It is not the districts or the teachers that made these tests. Its the state. The state created these tests through Pearson and not an educational panel. The tests themselves are ridiculous and I believe most of the administrators do not agree with them either. The fight needs to be brought to Albany and the governor and there needs to be a change. Pearson profits immensely from these tests and it is to the detriment of the students. It is my understanding that if a child opts out of the test they are still coded and will be placed in the bottom of the grading level. Since they are at the bottom of the grading level they will be mandated to be given AIS next year. That is a mandate from the state and can not be opted out of. So instead of letting your child take a test they will have to take extra help next year even though most of the children will not need it and the district will have to hire extra teachers to teach the AIS. Also, if at least 95% of the students do not take the test, your districts financial aid will be in jeopardy as well as the schools state rankings. That all comes back to the parents in increased taxes and your district losing its standing maybe affecting home sales. Everyone can agree the tests are wrong but to me opting out is not the way to go. I don't know what to do but it needs to start with Albany not the school district.
AIS is def. optional. They can't make the students go. My son is special ed, gets 1's and 2's on most State assessments, always has, and AIS has been a recommendation, but not mandatory. It comes on a generic letter from the district, and you let them know if your child will be able to attend. The same letter goes to both general ed students, and special ed students. This has been the case in both districts we have attended.
Message edited 4/10/2013 8:46:07 PM.
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| Posted 4/10/13 8:45 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Opting Out of State Testing
Special ed students get exemptions from AIS as their needs are dealt with through other mandated documents such as an IEP. It is a state mandated law that any child, barring special ed students that receive a 2 or 1 must receive AIS. There is no opt out of that. If the district is not providing those resources they can be fined by the state.
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| Posted 4/10/13 8:59 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Maybe the AIS is done during normal school hours for the typical kids if they decline the extra help hours before or after school, I'm not really sure? But the notices that I have always received noted it was completely optional, and like I said, it's always been the same generic paperwork for both groups of students.
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| Posted 4/10/13 9:11 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Opting Out of State Testing
Yes that could be it....they can't mandate that you attend something before or after school....that would definitely be an option. The laws change so quickly but I do know that AIS that is offered during school hours can not be refused.
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| Posted 4/10/13 9:17 PM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Yes, it was treated as a regular class during the normal school day. Instead of study hall or some other elective, your child will be in AIS if they scored a 1 or a 2.
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| Posted 4/10/13 9:34 PM |
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justthe4ofus
I hate hypocrites!!!!!
Member since 5/05 6905 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by KarenK122
I really think that opting out of the test is not the way to go. It is not the districts or the teachers that made these tests. Its the state. The state created these tests through Pearson and not an educational panel. The tests themselves are ridiculous and I believe most of the administrators do not agree with them either. The fight needs to be brought to Albany and the governor and there needs to be a change. Pearson profits immensely from these tests and it is to the detriment of the students. It is my understanding that if a child opts out of the test they are still coded and will be placed in the bottom of the grading level. Since they are at the bottom of the grading level they will be mandated to be given AIS next year. That is a mandate from the state and can not be opted out of. So instead of letting your child take a test they will have to take extra help next year even though most of the children will not need it and the district will have to hire extra teachers to teach the AIS. Also, if at least 95% of the students do not take the test, your districts financial aid will be in jeopardy as well as the schools state rankings. That all comes back to the parents in increased taxes and your district losing its standing maybe affecting home sales. Everyone can agree the tests are wrong but to me opting out is not the way to go. I don't know what to do but it needs to start with Albany not the school district.
AIS is def. optional. They can't make the students go. My son is special ed, gets 1's and 2's on most State assessments, always has, and AIS has been a recommendation, but not mandatory. It comes on a generic letter from the district, and you let them know if your child will be able to attend. The same letter goes to both general ed students, and special ed students. This has been the case in both districts we have attended.
My district removes students from art or music and puts them in a literacy or math support class, so it is mandatory for them!
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| Posted 4/10/13 9:37 PM |
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FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
I just got home from that More than a Number forum held at Hofstra. I'm about ready to homeschool. There is so much more to this issue.
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| Posted 4/10/13 11:02 PM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by FranM
I just got home from that More than a Number forum held at Hofstra. I'm about ready to homeschool. There is so much more to this issue.
Could you elaborate? I wanted to go but couldn't.
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| Posted 4/11/13 5:19 AM |
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juanvi
Get Out!
Member since 10/06 4463 total posts
Name:
Christina
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by Jacksmommy
Posted by FranM
I just got home from that More than a Number forum held at Hofstra. I'm about ready to homeschool. There is so much more to this issue.
Could you elaborate? I wanted to go but couldn't.
I can imagine. I couldn't go either. Please fill us in thanks
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| Posted 4/11/13 6:04 AM |
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Teachergal
We made a snowman!
Member since 1/08 3239 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Hi everyone,
I am a parent as well as a third grade teacher. There are some misconceptions on this thread that I just want to clear up and other information I'd like to share.
1. State tests have been given for many years. This is not new. The only thing that is new is that now the tests are going to be a reflection of the Common Core Standards which are country-wide standards that are being implemented. Previously, each state had separate standards. This year, it is still a New York State test, but based on the Common Core. Next year and for however many years after until it gets changed again, all students across the country will be taking the same test based on the Common Core. Actually, there will be two versions of the test developed by two different companies (Pearson and I don't remember the other one). Each state can decide which test they want to use.
2. If a student writes anything on any page of the test for ELA or Math, we have to count it. So crossing off pages or making a mark anywhere on the answer sheet will indicate that they have started the test.
3. If the student doesn't take the test, it DOES NOT mean they go to the bottom of the grading level. I don't even know what that means. If they are scored as 'not tested', then your child simply doesn't get a score. It doesn't mean they get a 0. In order to get a 0, it means they took they test but got everything (or most everything) wrong.
4. AIS (reading help or Math Lab) is optional. It is mandatory for the school to offer it to anyone that, according to the state, is not "meeting the standards." However any parent is allowed to deny that service. The tests are going to be very hard this year and most likely some kids that would have gotten 3s (meeting the standards) will get 2s. It does not mean your child necessarily needs reading help! You have to decide as a parent, in conjunction with your child's teacher, whether you think it's something to explore.
5. As I said before, the new tests are a reflection of the Common Core. I'm going to try to keep my opinion about the new standards off this reply, but I do want to make the point that it IS possible to teach other things beside ELA and Math in school and if you feel like that is all your child is doing in school....well then, that's a problem with your school's philosophy, not the test. We still teach science and social studies, rotating, almost every day. So if you are feeling as if your child's education is now lacking in those areas, speak up to your child's teacher, go to PTA meetings, speak to the principal, go to Shared Decision Making Meetings at your school. That is the way to enact that sort of change. The opt-out movement is not the way to get that.
Good luck everyone with your decisions! My child is not yet of testing age, so I don't have to deal with this yet, but I know it's a tough decision.
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| Posted 4/11/13 6:59 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Very helpful post Teachergal 
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| Posted 4/11/13 9:17 AM |
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Posted by BargainMama
Very helpful post Teachergal
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| Posted 4/11/13 1:54 PM |
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Adri
Joy!
Member since 5/05 3116 total posts
Name:
A
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Re: Opting Out of State Testing
Thank you Teachergal!
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| Posted 4/11/13 4:27 PM |
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