X-Post re Common Core

Ques about Common Core & Opting Out of testing

Re: X-Post re Common Core

I will be opting out when it comes time for my DD (1st grade). Not sure of the consequences for the district, as there seems to be a lot of wrong information out there. Our Superintendent is against these high stakes tests, so I think many children will be opting out for the next round in our district.

Re: X-Post re Common Core

My both kids have taken the tests and are perfectly fine. I don't make a big deal out of it so they don't. They have never been stressed about it.

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High stakes??? Seriously what are the high stakes for the kids? Its not going to get them in or out of college. Its not going to determine their job. The high stakes are really for the teachers and quite unfair too. I don't understand why you would opt out. I mean really, we all need to learn to take a test. Its a waste of time, yes. It should be eliminated, yes. But really I would never want to teach my kid to "opt out" of life's challenges. i told my son that it was an unfair test and I was proud of him for trying. I told him his score didn't really matter but what mattered was how hard he worked to prepare and then get through the test. He survived and did great. He learned how to conquer that challenge.

WHat did the kids who opted out learn?

X-Post re Common Core

I have read and read and read about the common core and testing and I am just as confused as I was in the beginning. I really think they are two separate issues. On testing, we have always tested. I tested when I was in school and I expect my DD to be tested as well. I believe the issue with the testing last year and this year is that they are testing on common core and common core has not been effectively rolled out within the school districts so the kids are being testing on things they would not know. Totally unfair and the State should have put better thought into the rollout before changing the contents of the tests. Opting out of testing, in my opinion is not going to solve anything. On the common core itself. I do not like the new curriculum. It stifles creativity and in my opinion that is needed to receive a well rounded education. The math programs are absurd and make no sense what so ever. But I do think that the education system needs to be standardized in some way. There should be a basis of what is taught throughout the states but it should not be so structured not to allow individual school districts to add some enrichment to it.

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Message edited 10/10/2013 7:00:56 AM.

Re: X-Post re Common Core

Posted by Karen

Posted by FranM

Posted by twicethefun

WHat did the kids who opted out learn?

That they have the right to stand in protest against something they do not believe in.

Actually, you are having them protest something YOU don't believe in. Big difference, IMO.

Re: X-Post re Common Core

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We won't be opting out. The standards are harder, so the kids will have to work that much harder. That is life, we must go by the rules.

Re: X-Post re Common Core

Posted by computergirl

Posted by Karen

Posted by FranM

Posted by twicethefun

WHat did the kids who opted out learn?

That they have the right to stand in protest against something they do not believe in.

Actually, you are having them protest something YOU don't believe in. Big difference, IMO.

I don't love everything about Common Core, but I'm not going to teach my children that:

- they are above the rules
- that it's better to skip the test than risk getting a bad grade
- that a test is bad if it's "hard"

They know that if they do their best, it's good enough for me and DH, no matter what the grade is.

X-Post re Common Core

Opting out isn't just having your child avoid a difficult test. It's a matter of sending a message to Commissioner King that these tests are not testing whether our children are college ready. They are causing undue stress to our kids, costing millions to the tax payers and districts and have our teachers lose their love of teaching and students lose their excitement to learn. Parents MUST become familiar with the Common Core! Check out engageny.org and see the scripted lessons that many teachers are being told to teach. Trust me... After looking at the math modules you may want to take a stand to the powers that be in Albany byrefusing to have your children take these tests.
That is why I will be sending in a letter of refusal. I'm all about the tough love in my house. I teach my children to fight through the hard times. This Common Core BS and these assessments are entirely on a different plane and I'm taking a stand for them. Please check out www.engageny.org so you can see where education is headed if we don't take a stand.

Message edited 10/11/2013 9:03:53 PM.

X-Post re Common Core

I still think that these are two separate issues. There will always be testing. There has been for 10s of years. I have no issue with using test scores for benchmarking and seeing progress.

The issue is the common core. The new way of teaching was just thrown into the districts with no training and no realistic time line for implementation. The lesson plans are not appropriate for the children and learning a new way is what stressing the children and teachers. Not the test, the content of the tests. People should be fighting the Common Core and not be opting out of testing or at least be doing both.

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There are so many things wrong with Common Core I could go on forever (yes I am a teacher). They basically throw materials at us and don't want us to deviate from the script. The stories and content are not age appropriate and/or boring and dry. They are the OPPOSITE of what we know is good for children. They are basically using our children as guinea pigs. there is no evidence this rigorous kind of testing will be effective. I think it is all downright detrimental to kids. I have no problem with adhering to standards but trust my professional judgement and knowledge of how children learn to get the ideas across. I'm absolutely disheartened as an educator and mom. I'm not sure if opting out is the answer, but I hope these damn political officials are listening, because we are not going away. I just saw that after basically having his azz handed to him at a town meeting, Commissioner King has canceled all of his remaining meetings where the public is allowed to express their opinions. COWARD!

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Did anyone go to the forum at Ward Melville High yesterday ? I am trying to find the entire forum online.

I watched two amazing teachers present on youtube, as an educator and a mother I am so proud of them !

Here is one

X-Post re Common Core

I did and it was great. It was wonderful seeing so many teachers, administrators and parents joining together for a common cause, our kids. The speakers were all very good and the one you linked above is a teacher at one of our elementary schools and he totally lit a fire under everyone by the time he was done. Overall, I'd say it was conducted with respect with a few minor outbursts mostly from one school district. Great evening and I urge others to go to the other forums they are conducting all over the island to show support.