I didn't think opting out of testing would be a big deal; boy, was I wrong

[TexasTowelie]

Deciding to opt my two daughters out of Colorado standardized testing seemed like a no-brainer. We aren’t permanent Colorado residents—we’re just here for one academic year while I’m a visiting professor at the University of Denver. My daughters, ages 13 and 14, are strong students. My husband and I see no educational benefit to the tests. My younger daughter experienced some serious test anxiety a couple of years back when taking Pennsylvania’s standardized tests.

And honestly, given three things—that, according to what a school administrator told me, Colorado law allows parents to refuse the testing on behalf of their children; that the testing enrollment forms include an option to “refuse testing”; and that we currently live in Boulder, one of the most liberal, individualistic towns in America—we truly didn’t think this would be a big deal.

Boy, were we wrong.

On Monday, about 15 minutes after I sent an email to the guidance counselors at the public high school and middle school informing them that I was opting my two daughters out, I got a call from the middle-school principal. I don’t know about you, but I can never get anyone from school to call me back in under a day or so. But here was the principal herself, instantaneously calling me in response to an email that I hadn’t even sent to her.

More at http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/sunday-commentary/20140326-i-didn-t-think-opting-out-of-testing-would-be-a-big-deal-boy-was-i-wrong.ece .

[yeoman6987]

1. Iowa Basics

I suffered though those waste of time tests for years as a kid. I just don't think they showed anything except bragging rights for parents of the upper percentiles. Keep in mind that we are only on this Earth for a short time and we lost a couple days of our lives taking those "waste of time" tests. Unfortunately it does not seem that anything has changed.

[femmocrat]

5. These tests are more rigorous and high-pressure.

A lot has changed, actually.

[questionseverything]

2. i hate the idea of the testing but

I would never have the kids opt out......if it means the school will fail which will mean defunded


this line from article is true.....Or perhaps they fear that when the professor’s child opts out, others will follow?” Several said, “They want your kids’ scores to up their averages.” Maybe.

[LWolf]

3. This is because there is punishment for the school, and school staff,

when everybody doesn't take the test.

It's not that we all can't wait to test your kids; it's that our school, our district, and we as teachers pay a price for that.

The only way to change that situation is to encourage families to opt out en masse. If that happened a few times, then the testocrats would come, barrels loaded, for families opting out by threatening your child's educational future in some way. But it might make a difference in the long run.

[Squinch]

4. I asked an assistant principal friend why all the parents don't just opt out. She said that the

funding to the school will collapse if there is not a near unanimity of children testing.

It's about the money. Which in itself is a form of coercion of parents, schools and children.

[femmocrat]

6. K & R Good article.

She pretty much covers the real reasons for all the testing. Although she didn't mention that there are people making lots of money from the tests, and they are not inside the schools.

[petson]

7. Good Article

I really want to say that if the money is taken for the genuine reason, then i don't think parent must have any issue that.
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[TexasTowelie]

8. I'm glad that you enjoyed reading it

and welcome to DU.