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FranM
And so it goes....
Member since 9/05 2217 total posts
Name:
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Poll Are you refusing testing
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Posted 4/6/15 8:44 AM  |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
I just voted Undecided. I'm so torn on this.
I have yet to find one positive or useful thing for these tests, but I feel like I'm the only one within our district that is opposed to them.
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| Posted 4/6/15 4:02 PM |
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MommaG
Yay Spring!
Member since 5/05 5133 total posts
Name:
Gloria
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Poll Are you refusing testing
I am not refusing testing but my DS goes to Catholic school and it does not affect the teachers at all. Also, we do not stress him out about them and neither do the teachers so not a big deal for us. I'm curious to see how he'll do.
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| Posted 4/6/15 4:11 PM |
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PatsBrat
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 2326 total posts
Name:
Ms. Brat
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by Chatham-Chick
I just voted Undecided. I'm so torn on this.
I have yet to find one positive or useful thing for these tests, but I feel like I'm the only one within our district that is opposed to them.
Why not be the first to stand up and be heard? 
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| Posted 4/6/15 6:25 PM |
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Chatham-Chick
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Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by PatsBrat
Posted by Chatham-Chick
I just voted Undecided. I'm so torn on this.
I have yet to find one positive or useful thing for these tests, but I feel like I'm the only one within our district that is opposed to them.
Why not be the first to stand up and be heard?
My DH keeps telling me to do just that, but to be honest, I don't feel like I'm smart enough or all that well spoken to do that. 
And I can't help but wonder if my friends' DC are that much smarter if they're not having the same issues/struggles with the practice ELAs that I'm having with my DD. 
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| Posted 4/6/15 8:23 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
I agree with your DH . No need to be well spoken about it nor is there a need for you to defend the choices you make for your child. What you already said is reason enough. You can't find one good reason for your child to take the test (and that's because their aren't any imo). Good luck with whatever you choose.
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| Posted 4/6/15 8:53 PM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
I am and I also have refused any testing that doesn't guide instruction (SLO assessments).
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| Posted 4/6/15 8:59 PM |
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PatsBrat
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 2326 total posts
Name:
Ms. Brat
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Just say exactly what you said in your first post. That's more than enough.
Trust your gut. I know you'll make the best decision for your kids.
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| Posted 4/6/15 9:23 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by cj7305
I agree with your DH . No need to be well spoken about it nor is there a need for you to defend the choices you make for your child. What you already said is reason enough. You can't find one good reason for your child to take the test (and that's because their aren't any imo). Good luck with whatever you choose.
I am refusing and just to give you some incentive to stand up, as a NYS teacher I am CENSURED from speaking out against the testing. Yes, CENSURED!!! Teachers in NYS cannot individually speak out against this or our licenses can (and WILL) be revoked.
It's not about how well my kids will do on the exams (both of my kids are in the G & T program in my district) it's about so many other factors. Our public schools are being privatized by for profit companies donating millions to our politicians who no longer answer to those who voted for them. We live in a tyrannical oligarchy. Cuomo's latest commercial sites "school choice for parents" that's code for charter schools. He will funnel your tax money to private charter schools that refuse to meet the needs of the diversified learner. Your public school district will fall into ruin and the value of your home will collapse.
The power rests with the PARENTS and the PUBLIC. It is illegal for teachers to strike. People need to flood school board meetings, attend the rallies, DEMAND media coverage.
At this point, the most powerful thing you can do is starve them of the data.
I know you live near me, I'm off this week. I'd be more than happy to drop off some fact based articles and talking points to you. If you have any questions please feel free to FM me. I am very passionate about this as a parent and as an educator.
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| Posted 4/7/15 9:34 AM |
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CallaLily
Thank you, Saint Gerard!
Member since 10/07 4937 total posts
Name:
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Poll Are you refusing testing
I just hope the parents who aren't refusing the tests are prepared for the negative effect it will have on their child/ children's educational experience.
Message edited 4/7/2015 11:15:23 AM.
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| Posted 4/7/15 11:14 AM |
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JennyPenny
?
Member since 1/08 12702 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Poll Are you refusing testing
I am admittedly uneducated on the subject, but I am undecided from what I have heard. I think people are reading way too much into some of the test questions/requirements and reaching FAR with a lot of stuff. But I also don't want my child to be set up to fail.
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| Posted 4/7/15 11:29 AM |
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CunningOne
***
Member since 5/05 26975 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
My kids are in 3rd and 5th grade and do not take them this year (Catholic school only gives tests in 4th, 6th and 8th). My child took them last year in 4th grade and did exceptionally well. Not sure if we will take them next year in 6th or if my 4th grader will either.
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| Posted 4/7/15 11:31 AM |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I am refusing and just to give you some incentive to stand up, as a NYS teacher I am CENSURED from speaking out against the testing. Yes, CENSURED!!! Teachers in NYS cannot individually speak out against this or our licenses can (and WILL) be revoked.
It's not about how well my kids will do on the exams (both of my kids are in the G & T program in my district) it's about so many other factors. Our public schools are being privatized by for profit companies donating millions to our politicians who no longer answer to those who voted for them. We live in a tyrannical oligarchy. Cuomo's latest commercial sites "school choice for parents" that's code for charter schools. He will funnel your tax money to private charter schools that refuse to meet the needs of the diversified learner. Your public school district will fall into ruin and the value of your home will collapse.
The power rests with the PARENTS and the PUBLIC. It is illegal for teachers to strike. People need to flood school board meetings, attend the rallies, DEMAND media coverage.
At this point, the most powerful thing you can do is starve them of the data.
I know you live near me, I'm off this week. I'd be more than happy to drop off some fact based articles and talking points to you. If you have any questions please feel free to FM me. I am very passionate about this as a parent and as an educator.
The thing is, I know that this is more than just about my children.
And I haven't bothered to reach out to my DC's teachers because I figured they couldn't discuss the testing anyway. 
What exactly do I have to do to opt out? And is it too late?
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| Posted 4/7/15 11:59 AM |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
My refusing the tests wouldn't be about my kids per se, it's about the "future of education" and the only way to take a stand is to refuse the test. How else will they hear us?
Again, I keep looking for the positive and/or benefits of privatizing education/charter schools, but I just haven't seen any evidence of it.
A Dozen Problems with Charter Schools
Charters are Cash Cows
Message edited 4/7/2015 12:49:37 PM.
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| Posted 4/7/15 12:37 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by Chatham-Chick
Posted by Tah-wee-ZAH
I am refusing and just to give you some incentive to stand up, as a NYS teacher I am CENSURED from speaking out against the testing. Yes, CENSURED!!! Teachers in NYS cannot individually speak out against this or our licenses can (and WILL) be revoked.
It's not about how well my kids will do on the exams (both of my kids are in the G & T program in my district) it's about so many other factors. Our public schools are being privatized by for profit companies donating millions to our politicians who no longer answer to those who voted for them. We live in a tyrannical oligarchy. Cuomo's latest commercial sites "school choice for parents" that's code for charter schools. He will funnel your tax money to private charter schools that refuse to meet the needs of the diversified learner. Your public school district will fall into ruin and the value of your home will collapse.
The power rests with the PARENTS and the PUBLIC. It is illegal for teachers to strike. People need to flood school board meetings, attend the rallies, DEMAND media coverage.
At this point, the most powerful thing you can do is starve them of the data.
I know you live near me, I'm off this week. I'd be more than happy to drop off some fact based articles and talking points to you. If you have any questions please feel free to FM me. I am very passionate about this as a parent and as an educator.
The thing is, I know that this is more than just about my children.
And I haven't bothered to reach out to my DC's teachers because I figured they couldn't discuss the testing anyway.
What exactly do I have to do to opt out? And is it too late?
Absolutely, this is about so much. Public education as a whole. Teachers livelihoods. Local control of our schools. Fair and fun educations for our children. I just spoke to my local senator . He voted yes and I was so disappointed with him. The worst part is he basically agreed with everything I said but said that Cuomo basically had a "gun to their heads" to pass it through. I'm so disgusted. It is absolutely not too late. Simply send a letter to your child's teacher saying you are "refusing". You can also send one to the principal and superintendent or just tell the teacher to please pass it along to the appropriate parties. I can post a sample form letter you can print. Doesn't need to be lengthy.
Message edited 4/7/2015 1:15:58 PM.
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| Posted 4/7/15 1:15 PM |
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2boys1girl
and one more girl on the way!
Member since 5/10 2954 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by Chatham-Chick
My refusing the tests wouldn't be about my kids per se, it's about the "future of education" and the only way to take a stand is to refuse the test. How else will they hear us?
[/L]
I opted my 5th and 3rd grader out and we are in a highly PRO ELA school out superintendent and elementary school principal is Dr. Russo one of the biggest supporters and speakers for Cuomo and the Core.
I am not doing it just for my kids as one of my sons actually wants to take the test since he is a competitive do gooder.
I'm doing it for education and for our teachers.
ETA we also received Blue Ribbon School status with last years scores so that is something that is being pushed on our community that our property values will now go up.
Message edited 4/7/2015 1:37:48 PM.
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| Posted 4/7/15 1:33 PM |
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
I am not voting because it's not relevant for me this year. But next year when DD is in third grade I will opt her out unless there is some kind of huge radical change between now and then, which I doubt.
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| Posted 4/7/15 1:39 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
I am happy to see the larger number on the poll as opting out but curious what the reasons are that some people are having their children take the test? Not looking to judge, just seriously trying to understand the rationale for taking it this year after all of the changes with this reform.
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| Posted 4/7/15 1:42 PM |
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Kate
*****
Member since 5/05 7557 total posts
Name:
Kate
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Poll Are you refusing testing
I was seriously considering refusing the test. Then we received an email from the superintendent saying that the state tests will be one factor used in student placement. My DS got a perfect score on the practice math test and if it is going to be used to determine if he is in the G&T program, then I want him to take it.
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| Posted 4/7/15 1:58 PM |
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summerBaby10
let's be nice
Member since 9/07 10208 total posts
Name:
Wifey
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
My dc won't be in a testing grade for a few years but I will opt them out (if this is still around) I don't understand.. why are all of these charter schools popping up now? I don't know where they came from. I just read this article & I don't want my kids to go through this kind of pressure & emotional abuse. click
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| Posted 4/7/15 2:13 PM |
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ChilisWife
God Bless America
Member since 5/05 3572 total posts
Name:
A.K.
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by Kate
I was seriously considering refusing the test. Then we received an email from the superintendent saying that the state tests will be one factor used in student placement. My DS got a perfect score on the practice math test and if it is going to be used to determine if he is in the G&T program, then I want him to take it.
Perhaps I am mistaken but it was my understanding that the test scores are not provided to schools until late Summer, AFTER placement has been decided.
If the child doesnt take the test, they cant consider it for placement and would need to rely on grades from during the school year. Which is fine by me. I would hate it if my kid had a bad day and didnt ace the test, and that was used against him for next year's placement regardless of his classroom performance!
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| Posted 4/7/15 2:40 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by ChilisWife
Posted by Kate
I was seriously considering refusing the test. Then we received an email from the superintendent saying that the state tests will be one factor used in student placement. My DS got a perfect score on the practice math test and if it is going to be used to determine if he is in the G&T program, then I want him to take it.
Perhaps I am mistaken but it was my understanding that the test scores are not provided to schools until late Summer, AFTER placement has been decided.
If the child doesnt take the test, they cant consider it for placement and would need to rely on grades from during the school year. Which is fine by me. I would hate it if my kid had a bad day and didnt ace the test, and that was used against him for next year's placement regardless of his classroom performance!
Yes, I hate to say it but seems like a bit of a scare tactic. Our teachers do not get the score until the following Sept./Oct. once placement is already complete. Also, there will be kids "refusing" that are absolutely candidates for accelerated programs so if they don't take the test, they will have to look at the child's performance in class, other test scores, teacher input etc. A district can absolutely not hold it against a child if they do not take the test. Just food for thought.
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| Posted 4/7/15 3:24 PM |
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Chatham-Chick
*********************
Member since 5/05 10311 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Posted by cj7305
Absolutely, this is about so much. Public education as a whole. Teachers livelihoods. Local control of our schools. Fair and fun educations for our children. I just spoke to my local senator . He voted yes and I was so disappointed with him. The worst part is he basically agreed with everything I said but said that Cuomo basically had a "gun to their heads" to pass it through. I'm so disgusted. It is absolutely not too late. Simply send a letter to your child's teacher saying you are "refusing". You can also send one to the principal and superintendent or just tell the teacher to please pass it along to the appropriate parties. I can post a sample form letter you can print. Doesn't need to be lengthy.
Could you please post a sample letter or FM it to me? Thanks! 
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| Posted 4/7/15 3:33 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
Will do! 
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| Posted 4/7/15 3:43 PM |
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cj7305
=)
Member since 8/05 12296 total posts
Name:
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Re: Poll Are you refusing testing
If you go to the bottom of this link you can download and alter it however you see fit. It is a bit wordy but does the job. Also just as an FYI many districts are sending a form letter back that can be taken very negatively. It is simply formality, don't let it worry you.
http://www.nysape.org/refusal-letter.html
This link has a bunch of other samples you could use.
http://www.stopccssinnys.com/Refuse_The_Test.html
And here is a super simple check off list. hope this helps .
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_RL8eCkWxD-4TjwvPzXb9GgS_NEsdaNeAp0WfZV2sm0/edit
Message edited 4/7/2015 4:10:09 PM.
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| Posted 4/7/15 4:08 PM |
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