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Are you aware of the fact that Standardized testing is optional and that school districts are supposed to inform parents of this fact?
You can opt your child out of any standardized test and merely sign a waiver to do so. No muss, no fuss and your child does not have to be subjected to standardized testing.
If more parents were aware of this and opted their child out, schools would HAVE to change their focus on testing.
For those parents who are aware of the abuses of "teaching to the test" and the focus on standardized testing above actual interesting, informative curriculum might want to look into this option.
Yes, I know you can. The thing is, even though I am not a fan of most standardized testing, as a parent you also have to realize that if nothing else, it gives your child experience in taking that kind of a test. Colleges do utilize SAT and ACT scores (and later on GRE, MCAT, LSAT etc) and a child who is familiar with taking standardized tests is bound to be a bit more prepared and less anxious. I think the bigger danger in many standardized tests are the reactions of parents, teachers and administrators and how they are used, not the tests themselves.
Yes, it's been known. A certain % are not req'd due to IEP regs & are also allowed to have a certain % take different test (perfect example is an AP test).
It's not as simple as just saying "My child shouldn't have to take a standardized test" nor is that a correct assessment. NCLB is a big beast & schools are req'd by law to follow certain practices.
Parents don't have to make their children do much of anything via a consent form.
The issue should not be on what the child does not have to do, but rather how the schools can accomodate all different learning styles; test for comprehension in different ways & grant teachers more flexibility in their planning.
What does the FB page have on it other than saying if enough parents yell, they will get their way?
There has to be a standard in public schools if they receive government funding. It is figuring out a standard that fits every size that is very difficult
Yes, it's been known. A certain % are not req'd due to IEP regs & are also allowed to have a certain % take different test (perfect example is an AP test).
It's not as simple as just saying "My child shouldn't have to take a standardized test" nor is that a correct assessment. NCLB is a big beast & schools are req'd by law to follow certain practices.
Parents don't have to make their children do much of anything via a consent form.
The issue should not be on what the child does not have to do, but rather how the schools can accomodate all different learning styles; test for comprehension in different ways & grant teachers more flexibility in their planning.
What does the FB page have on it other than saying if enough parents yell, they will get their way?
There has to be a standard in public schools if they receive government funding. It is figuring out a standard that fits every size that is very difficult
Yes and yes....I don't know what the answer is but I do remember when I grew up taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (?) either every year or every other year. I never minded the testing (but then I did well so it was a little ego boost for me) but I never remember it being discussed in school or prepped for or anything else. It just was. They handed you the results to bring home to your parents and that was the end of it. Now...it's all crazy with prepping and snacks and competiveness and all kinds of stuff. It's out of control and I don't personally believe it's doing what they are thinking it's doing. But, like you said, they've got to have something and I don't have a better idea either....
Yes, I know you can. The thing is, even though I am not a fan of most standardized testing, as a parent you also have to realize that if nothing else, it gives your child experience in taking that kind of a test. Colleges do utilize SAT and ACT scores (and later on GRE, MCAT, LSAT etc) and a child who is familiar with taking standardized tests is bound to be a bit more prepared and less anxious. I think the bigger danger in many standardized tests are the reactions of parents, teachers and administrators and how they are used, not the tests themselves.
Yes, it's been known. A certain % are not req'd due to IEP regs & are also allowed to have a certain % take different test (perfect example is an AP test).
It's not as simple as just saying "My child shouldn't have to take a standardized test" nor is that a correct assessment. NCLB is a big beast & schools are req'd by law to follow certain practices.
Parents don't have to make their children do much of anything via a consent form.
The issue should not be on what the child does not have to do, but rather how the schools can accomodate all different learning styles; test for comprehension in different ways & grant teachers more flexibility in their planning.
What does the FB page have on it other than saying if enough parents yell, they will get their way?
There has to be a standard in public schools if they receive government funding. It is figuring out a standard that fits every size that is very difficult
The highlighted is incorrect. Anyone can opt out and it is very simple. Just sign a waiver. Districts are SUPPOSED to inform parents that they can opt out, but the "forget." Like "the dog ate my homework" type of "forget."
The Facebook page is for STAR testing, which is in the state of California only. Please provide a verifiable citation that says parents in other states are allowed to opt out of standardized tests.
Also, since this is an Education topic, I'm moving this thread to that forum.
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