The controversial PARCC tests, which include a lengthy schedule of standardized testing for our students, includes an option allowing the students to opt out if their parents do not want them to take the tests.
But rather than allow then to be taught in regular classes during that time and actually engage in some learning, they will basically be kept in a room during the test periods.
They will not even be allowed to stay home where they might do something more productive.
In a letter to the district Monday, acting Superintendent James Memoli stated:
We ask you to have non-test taking students
bring a book to keep them occupied during the hours of testing. They will
remain in the classroom with the other students who are being tested. We cannot
provide a separate space for non- testing students due to lack of personnel and
space.
(See the entire letter below)
The logic in this is amazingly misguided. And some school board members agreed, declaring at Monday night's board meeting that not only is it a waste of time for students not taking the test to be in school with nothing but a book, but it puts them in an unfair situation to potential ridicule.
In a related move, the board tabled a policy change that would have put its approval on the opt-out plan after noting their blessing is not needed.
See the full letter to parents below:
February 23, 2015
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you may know, this year New Jersey has mandated a
new assessment for all public school districts to administer to students called
the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career
(PARCC). The PARCC will be administered
in place of the NJASK for English Language Arts and Math in grades 3-11. A FAQ is attached providing additional
information about the PARCC, and SOMSD’s preparation to administer this
state-mandated assessment.
Our goal is to ensure that testing administration is
stress-free, smooth and orderly.
•
The 2015
PARCC will have no academic consequences for students. It will be used as baseline data only, and
will not be used for academic placement.
•
Testing will take place in March; the testing
dates are on the attached calendar.
There will be a second round of PARCC testing in May.
•
The testing time will vary from day to day, but
all tests will be administered in the morning.
•
Students are encouraged to get a good night’s
rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and to arrive at school on time.
SOMSD recognizes that some families have concerns
about their children participating in PARCC testing, and we have received some
questions about what happens should a family refuse to allow their
child/children to be tested. We respect
personal parental concerns about this assessment, while at the same time we are
adhering to state regulations. This year, the state has left it up to local
school districts to decide how to handle those situations in which parents
choose to have their children refuse to take the standardized assessment. If
you are planning to refuse to allow your son or daughter to take the test,
please note the following:
•
There will be no negative consequences or
disciplinary action for any student who is not taking the assessment.
•
Please send an email or a letter to the building
principal as soon as possible indicating that you are refusing to have your
child take the PARCC test. Please do not
keep your child home from school. We are required to follow all attendance
rules and regulations.
•
If you choose to not have your child take the
state test, one letter will suffice for a refusal of the Performance Based
Assessment in March, including make-up testing.
•
Students must be on time for school regardless
of whether or not they are participating in the testing.
•
We ask you to have non-test taking students
bring a book to keep them occupied during the hours of testing. They will
remain in the classroom with the other students who are being tested. We cannot
provide a separate space for non- testing students due to lack of personnel and
space.
Thank you for your partnership in helping SOMSD meet
our state-mandate.
Sincerely,
James G. Memoli
Acting
Superintendent
