Re: Required standardized testing

[Rossi/Goldthorpe <rossigold1955@earthlink.net>]

Hello Gina,
Do you live in California? In California, a parent is allowed to
opt their children out of the tests. I was able to do this for my 
son in 2nd grade. It might be helpful if you can post your state,
so someone on this list serve can give you some more specific
info. I am sorry that you are being treated in this manner, it
seems to be very wrong,
Diana Rossi
Berkeley CA
ps: I am "just a parent", so do not have much concrete info to help,
other than that I know that in CA one can opt out of the tests....
On Apr 30, 2010, at 11:07 AM, Geena@aol.com wrote:

> Hello All, 
> 
> I am desperately trying to opt my daughter out of the standardized testing 
> in our district. I have two letters to our district asking that my daughter 
> be exempt from testing next week. They are testing on the following days: 
> May 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12. I think this is excessive for a seven year 
> old. 
> 
> The response I received from the school states: "All students are required 
> to take the ITBS and Gates tests. This assessment is our primary 
> longitudinal measurement of academic performance. The data analysis provided in the 
> core subjects of math, reading and language arts is essential to guiding 
> instructional services for your daughter. She would be at a significant 
> disadvantage if the ITBS analysis were not available to teachers. In addition, our 
> ability to provide you with valid and reliable longitudinal measures of 
> academic progress would be hampered." 
> 
> I should note that there does not appear to be anything in the school board 
> policy that addresses this. The policy on assessment can be found here: 
> _http://www.d107.org/School-Board/Board-Policy.aspx_ 
> (http://www.d107.org/School-Board/Board-Policy.aspx) 
> 
> The next letter stated: "The district has been advised by the State Board 
> of Education and our school attorney that we are within our authority to 
> require standardized testing. The ITBS and Gates are essential and no suitable 
> alternatives are available. Your daughter is not exempt from taking the ITBS 
> and Gates tests."
> 
> What happened to parents' rights?? Does anyone know what my options are? I 
> am afraid if I keep her home, they will test her when I send her back. 
> 
> I can legally opt her out of the state mandated ISAT, but why not these 
> other tests? 
> 
> I feel as if I am being bullied by our principal and superintendent. What 
> can I do?
> 
> Gina Nelson
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