Comments on: Standardized Tests – Your Rights, Opting Out, and the Impact on Your Child

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:24:24 +0000

In reply to dino run. I would vote for tests like 30 years ago -- maybe every four years or something. If at all. And, I would for sure be sure that the testing companies aren't the ones making policy or influencing policy!

By: dino run

dino run — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 08:51:43 +0000

Is there a reasonable suggestion to solve the problem?

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 19:31:58 +0000

In reply to Kay.

I’m not sure if you can at a private school. In public school you certainly can. More information here: http://www.fairtest.org/get-involved/opting-out. Good luck!

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 13:41:53 +0000

My sons both attend a private school and are required to take a modified version of the Common Core testing. Last year my oldest was in second grade and I didn’t make a huge deal of him taking these tests. He did incredibly well but did mention how the teacher had to read the test to him in order for him to understand what was written. He has struggled with reading the fluency portion but always got the comprehension correct. This placed an added stress on the testing. Now that we figured out . my husband and I, it was because he struggled to see the words. He now has glasses, his reading has taken off and now he can read for pleasure. I question the appropriateness for testing those so young. That is my concern and then the test taking anxiety sets in. My sons are in second and third grades and are expected to take these tests next week. I have heard the folks I know in New York State have written letters to have their kids opt out of the tests. Would this be appropriate? And what, if any, difficulties may I expect to encounter. I don’t recall taking standardized tests until entering 5th grade. The school I went to has been rated among the tops in the country for years. I am hoping this all goes away with next president. Testing and challenging an individual who does well or struggles to take a test should be done on an individual school basis.There should be disciplinary actions for a teacher who does not teach well. There were a few terrible teachers in my high school but they managed to stay because of the ridiculous tenure.
I feel for the young children who are especially in the second grade who are being subjected to an unnatural nature for assessing their abilities.
My concerns are shared by many but I am responsible for looking out for my own, Other than working full time as an Occupational Therapist, caring for a 90 year old mother-in-law, and making sure my children receive a well rounded education, experience sports, art, culture, travel how to be a good person and Christian, I want what is best for my children and I do not think testing like this at a very young age is the answer.
If a classroom does poorly, does that teacher get fired or re-assessed? Do we then look for another school? What happens to the test scores and how is it beneficial to the local school program? How is all of this good?
Here’s to hoping this form of testing is dismissed next year.
How do I go about opting out of this testing for my children this year?

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:40:00 +0000

In reply to Sonja. that is sad! I'm glad you're able to make private school work, and that it is such a good fit for your son. Good news!

By: Melissa Taylor

Melissa Taylor — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:40:00 +0000

In reply to tracymar. wow - talk about manipulation!

By: Sonja

Sonja — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 15:24:00 +0000

Thanks! My son recently switched to private school. He is a totally different child. In public, he would cry each day, refuse to get out of bed, had headaches and stomach pains each day… He is now in a small private school where he is learning by participating, experimenting, exploring and not being taught to take useless tests. It is so amazing to see him excited about school and learning again. Sadly I live in what is considered a top district for public school – taxes are insanely high and I have to send my kids to private school.

By: tracymar

tracymar — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 03:12:00 +0000

Unless my daughter takes the state MSP (Measurement of Student Progress) test (math, reading & science, the Algebra or Geometry EOC, and the CBA,, she cannot enter the Talent show, go on the 8th grade field trip, go to the 8th grade parent/student breakfast, the 8th grade dance or the 8th grade graduation ceremony.