Re: Coercion

[Rick Parkany <rparkany@BORG.COM>]

In NYS for the *benchmark* exams, if a student *misses* the test, comes in from
out of state, or somehow doesn't *earn* a score on these exams, the score
recorded is *0* (zero).

No, the current state *mandates* for AIS (Academic Intervention Services)
Math/ELA & 3 other (fer now) core curricular *domains of instruction* make these
types of *decisions* to opt out quit potentially punishing for youth. If this
happens in several (or, likely most) core course exams, the youths' ability to
participate in ANY extra-curricular activities (music, art, vocals, school
plays, athletics, etc.=.--THE GOOD STUFF) will be impossible...

Of course, the local districts can, under the current AIS *mandates* (see ref
below) opt to just about do anything or nothing for the *low twos to zeros on a
4 point rubric) so far as WHAT these additional services are going to look like
(most NYSEdn suggested service consists of typical Title I, 4-6:1, 3/6 day
cycle, settings, yielding app. 90 more hours/10mo. cycle).

Accordingly, these mandates just seem to be hooks that future litigation against
districts might be hung upon by irate parents whose children may STILL fail to
achieve the magic 3 (or 65% pass) on the benchmark exams or Math A Regents Exam,
despite the *extra AIS* afforded them. That's when the doo-doo hits the fan, and
the ultimate accountability brings its chickens home to roost.

This NYS *assessment* reform is actually curriculum design a la
trainwreck...        ;-} rap.

 NYS ContactInfo :
http://www.borg.com/~rparkany/Standards/HOPE/NYSContacts.htm

Teresa or J Glenn wrote:

> >>>How can a test that is not proven valid be a requirement by the school or
> district?  It is legal for parents to opt their children out of WASL.  It
> may even be legal for kids to opt themselves out-- I'm not sure.  Is it
> better for kids to take the test and doodle or write opinion essays on high
> stakes testing?<<<<<
>
> If they can opt out of the test, why would they need to doodle OR write
> essays?  (Not that there's anything wrong with either of those pastimes.
> ;) )  Wouldn't the student just not be present?
>
> As for "dealing" with that teacher, I don't think anything needs to be said.
> The young man can gently remind her that students may opt out of testing and
> therefore it cannot be a requirement for passing the grade or course, and
> let it go at that.
>
> Teresa G.
>
> The good news is I'm beginning to hear from people-- all over the state--
> who saw our WASL opt out stories last year and are ready to opt out this
> year because of it.
>
> Thanks for any enlightenment you may be able to offer,
> Juanita
>
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--
"Dein Wachstum sei feste und lache vor Lust!
Deines Herzens Trefflichkeit
Hat dir selbst das Feld bereit',
Auf dem du bluehen musst." JS Bach: Bauern Kantata
Richard A. Parkany: SUNY@Albany
Prometheus Educational Services
http://www.borg.com/~rparkany/
Upper Hudson & Mohawk Valleys; New York State, USA