I absolutely believe that unless people opt-out, the testing will not change.
That said, I don't think randomly opting your kid out every year, 1 or 2 kids in every 100, is going to make a difference. Parents need to organize together and mass opt-out.
Our state doesn't require a test to graduate anymore. Our juniors do all take the ACT now (that's new this year) in class, as a part of their year.
When we were kids, (Me, anyway) we took one test for a day, maybe two.
Now, not only are we testing from March-May (we started March 23 here, and my 6th graders finish their last test May 20), even more than the tests are the ridiculous consequences tied to standardized tests. ANd they're not accurate.
One of my brightest 8th graders, who has been doing high-school level independent study work all year scored below grade-level on his MCA (our test) this year. Because as awesome as this kid is, he's a shit test-taker. He's going to change the world, but he fails his tests. (anecdotes FTW)
I hate the "culture" of testing, and the other-worldly profits that are tied to it.
Post by amynumbers on Apr 20, 2015 18:54:16 GMT -5
I want to say the opt out threshold in PA was 12% -- any more than that rendered the tests invalid. Some districts around here are seeing 20+%, but it is apparently not uniform across grades -- like maybe half the 5th grade opted out, but on 5% of third graders.
I will say, I think te local opt out effort is suffering for a little bit of blind activism. We are looking to move, and I have losts of questions about what prep looks like in certain districts, and what the "enrichment" looks like for kids who opt out. On the local mommy boards you just get lots of noise from a small circle of activists about how you should just opt out because of the big bad testing machine and stick it to the man. Um ok, but I still think this info is relevant.
Post by fancynewbeesly on Apr 20, 2015 19:45:50 GMT -5
In our state, in the elementary school--yes; testing is ONLY 5 days per grade level--but it is 3 weeks total--plus a week of a makeups; And then they have to be retested a month later for 3 days at a time. (4th graders have an extra day--so 4).
It is COMPLETELY disruptive to the school and resources; they have to have 2 proctors (including the teacher); so they are pulling special area teachers to be the extra proctor; and getting subs or canceling the specials. Or closing down the media center/computer labs for 3 weeks for all students. (except the test takers).
As of now, we don't need the PARCC to graduate--they do have a different test to graduate, but that one is completely fair.
Um I took yearly standardized tests every year from third grade on. The tests now are ridiculous and pointless but standardized testing in itself is not new. Like I said there is no opt out here and the teachers have a solid month for makeups. There is no way out right now. Both of my older kids will be fine I will re evaluate when DS faces then if need be.
Yea, we took them every year from 2nd or 4rd on. Then in 8th grade there was the Early Warning Test which helped figure out who would need help passing the test needed to graduate high school - the HSPT, High School Proficiency Test. There was also some kind of practice HSPT, too, in HS. I was good at standardized tests and it wasn't stressful at all - but it was only 1 week, maybe even half days, no homework or other learning, just playing & recess when we weren't testing that week. My one sister struggled greatly and it was very stressful for her, even w/o the school making a big deal out of it.
Now, the tests take 3-4 weeks, much different environment, more stress, more test prep, etc.
Are you sure the 3-4 weeks isn't the test window? Maybe some kids are testing (usually by grade level or subject). That seems like an incredibly long time.
I'm sure it's some kind a window, it's not very clear. Since we don't start until 3rd grade, I haven't had to worry too much - I just know DD said they have to be extra quiet in the halls.
Yea, we took them every year from 2nd or 4rd on. Then in 8th grade there was the Early Warning Test which helped figure out who would need help passing the test needed to graduate high school - the HSPT, High School Proficiency Test. There was also some kind of practice HSPT, too, in HS. I was good at standardized tests and it wasn't stressful at all - but it was only 1 week, maybe even half days, no homework or other learning, just playing & recess when we weren't testing that week. My one sister struggled greatly and it was very stressful for her, even w/o the school making a big deal out of it.
Now, the tests take 3-4 weeks, much different environment, more stress, more test prep, etc.
Are you sure the 3-4 weeks isn't the test window? Maybe some kids are testing (usually by grade level or subject). That seems like an incredibly long time.
It's likely the window, but anytime anyone in the school is testing, it affects all the students. It's "awesome" being an English teacher with papers due, and no computer lab access for 2/3 of the trimester. And because of testing, our media center is closed to students. It's so much more than the few days they're actually testing.
Are you sure the 3-4 weeks isn't the test window? Maybe some kids are testing (usually by grade level or subject). That seems like an incredibly long time.
It's likely the window, but anytime anyone in the school is testing, it affects all the students. It's "awesome" being an English teacher with papers due, and no computer lab access for 2/3 of the trimester. And because of testing, our media center is closed to students. It's so much more than the few days they're actually testing.
This is me. I teach Media/Tech and for three weeks in March none of my morning classes got books or had access to the media center/tech lab. Which included kindergarten-second. We watched movies in the foyer.
Are you sure the 3-4 weeks isn't the test window? Maybe some kids are testing (usually by grade level or subject). That seems like an incredibly long time.
It's likely the window, but anytime anyone in the school is testing, it affects all the students. It's "awesome" being an English teacher with papers due, and no computer lab access for 2/3 of the trimester. And because of testing, our media center is closed to students. It's so much more than the few days they're actually testing.
I agree that it is still disruptive. There's a difference between kids actually testing for three weeks straight and a disrupted school day. Not that the latter is much better.
It's likely the window, but anytime anyone in the school is testing, it affects all the students. It's "awesome" being an English teacher with papers due, and no computer lab access for 2/3 of the trimester. And because of testing, our media center is closed to students. It's so much more than the few days they're actually testing.
I agree that it is still disruptive. There's a difference between kids actually testing for three weeks straight and a disrupted school day. Not that the latter is much better.
I know what you're trying to say, but I'm not sure I agree. In addition to the weeks/months of educational disruption, whenever there is testing, there is an atmosphere of stress in the school.
I agree that it is still disruptive. There's a difference between kids actually testing for three weeks straight and a disrupted school day. Not that the latter is much better.
I know what you're trying to say, but I'm not sure I agree. In addition to the weeks/months of educational disruption, whenever there is testing, there is an atmosphere of stress in the school.
In our school since we have to test twice (the kids have a whopping three weeks off from testing to show "growth". Total amount of days for testing is 3&5 th graders 8 days, 4th graders 9 days. Which is nearly two school weeks. Plus the hours and days lost to test prep
You guys test weird. Seriously I thought Texas was bad, but it seems comparing here we are one of the most normal. Seriously 5 half days is the most our kids test. Most teachers will tell you while it sucks it's really not that disruptive.
You guys test weird. Seriously I thought Texas was bad, but it seems comparing here we are one of the most normal. Seriously 5 half days is the most our kids test. Most teachers will tell you while it sucks it's really not that disruptive.
I'm in Texas, too, but our testing days seem to cover more than just 5 half days. All the grades test on different days so it's separate weeks that are being disrupted. Like others pointed out, it ends up affecting the whole school because all specials are canceled and all the kids have to be extra quiet in the hall. It affects me because during the weeks of testing the school is closed campus. This means no speech for my daughter. I have really never understood that--she is an enrolled student needing services, not a visitor. Yet, the SLP and everyone is pulled for testing so I guess that is part of why.
Each grade is only testing for 3-4 days a year, but after all the prep work and all the school disruptions it eats up so much more instruction than just 5 half days. I know you are anti-STAAR, too. Just saying even in different districts it seems to work differently.
I am absolutely dreading these tests but I see no way out. Opting out isn't viable for us. That would harm her more than help her long term. I see so many friends on my FB feed with 8 and 9 year olds crying from the stress. WTH. It's so messed up. A 9 year old should not be under so much pressure.
You guys test weird. Seriously I thought Texas was bad, but it seems comparing here we are one of the most normal. Seriously 5 half days is the most our kids test. Most teachers will tell you while it sucks it's really not that disruptive.
Our state standardized test is given for 4 half days. Then there is 2 make up days the following week. The previous 2 years were a little worse because our district gave a state test to K-2 grade also so we had 2 weeks of testing that effected specials, etc. they decided against continuing that test this year so now only grades 3-5 will be taking the test. I have not heard anything about opting out here.
I agree that it is still disruptive. There's a difference between kids actually testing for three weeks straight and a disrupted school day. Not that the latter is much better.
I know what you're trying to say, but I'm not sure I agree. In addition to the weeks/months of educational disruption, whenever there is testing, there is an atmosphere of stress in the school.
I get it. In CA tenth graders take the High School Exit Exam in March, the new SBAC is in May, and so is AP testing. Schedule impacts varying from school to school. It sucks as a teacher and I'm sure it's a million times worse to be a student during this time of year. I still don't think that the ninth graders, who don't have any tests to take, are as stressed by the testing as the eleventh graders, most of whom will be taking multiple high stakes tests this month.
You guys test weird. Seriously I thought Texas was bad, but it seems comparing here we are one of the most normal. Seriously 5 half days is the most our kids test. Most teachers will tell you while it sucks it's really not that disruptive.
I'm in Texas, too, but our testing days seem to cover more than just 5 half days. All the grades test on different days so it's separate weeks that are being disrupted. Like others pointed out, it ends up affecting the whole school because all specials are canceled and all the kids have to be extra quiet in the hall. It affects me because during the weeks of testing the school is closed campus. This means no speech for my daughter. I have really never understood that--she is an enrolled student needing services, not a visitor. Yet, the SLP and everyone is pulled for testing so I guess that is part of why.
Each grade is only testing for 3-4 days a year, but after all the prep work and all the school disruptions it eats up so much more instruction than just 5 half days. I know you are anti-STAAR, too. Just saying even in different districts it seems to work differently.
I am absolutely dreading these tests but I see no way out. Opting out isn't viable for us. That would harm her more than help her long term. I see so many friends on my FB feed with 8 and 9 year olds crying from the stress. WTH. It's so messed up. A 9 year old should not be under so much pressure.
I will be raging if my kid misses speech for weeks over this stupid test. That's just the worst. And my husband says I'm crazy when I jokingly say I'm going to home school...
It's written into the IEP though. We get 30 sessions a year. This allows the school to not have speech on testing weeks. If she was in the PPCD program I believe services would continue. Trust me I hate it but I wouldn't win the fight.
Yep definitely more than 5 half days here. I had three days in my class alone for the kids who finished 'on time' plus 2-3 more days for the overly cautious/slow kids. Then they repeat that for math class. In 8th grade they do science as well. Then in May we start over with a different test for 2-3 days in both reading and math. It's ridiculous. The computer labs are unavailable the entire month of April and May and kids are reassigned to different classes so no one has a testing class last hour. Next week I will have my reg. reading kids reassigned to my low class for multiple days due to the math testing. So now, not only are they missing their regular class, the make up class isn't even the same curriculum. We will be twiddling our thumbs to some degree. Oh and my final observation of the year? That will take place in the middle of this mess.
You guys test weird. Seriously I thought Texas was bad, but it seems comparing here we are one of the most normal. Seriously 5 half days is the most our kids test. Most teachers will tell you while it sucks it's really not that disruptive.
I'm in Texas, too, but our testing days seem to cover more than just 5 half days. All the grades test on different days so it's separate weeks that are being disrupted. Like others pointed out, it ends up affecting the whole school because all specials are canceled and all the kids have to be extra quiet in the hall. It affects me because during the weeks of testing the school is closed campus. This means no speech for my daughter. I have really never understood that--she is an enrolled student needing services, not a visitor. Yet, the SLP and everyone is pulled for testing so I guess that is part of why.
Each grade is only testing for 3-4 days a year, but after all the prep work and all the school disruptions it eats up so much more instruction than just 5 half days. I know you are anti-STAAR, too. Just saying even in different districts it seems to work differently.
I am absolutely dreading these tests but I see no way out. Opting out isn't viable for us. That would harm her more than help her long term. I see so many friends on my FB feed with 8 and 9 year olds crying from the stress. WTH. It's so messed up. A 9 year old should not be under so much pressure.
Um no. There are mandated state testing days. Each district can't do it their own way.if you google Texas state testing days it will give you the schedule. I agree with the speech issue and out district has found a way around that.
Team KC with this -- the fuck no would I tolerate numerous missed speech sessions because the SLP had to proctor testing.
Honestly this depends on the IEP. As long as that is being met. That being said even though we have a closed campus our district moves speech services those days.
I'm in Texas, too, but our testing days seem to cover more than just 5 half days. All the grades test on different days so it's separate weeks that are being disrupted. Like others pointed out, it ends up affecting the whole school because all specials are canceled and all the kids have to be extra quiet in the hall. It affects me because during the weeks of testing the school is closed campus. This means no speech for my daughter. I have really never understood that--she is an enrolled student needing services, not a visitor. Yet, the SLP and everyone is pulled for testing so I guess that is part of why.
Each grade is only testing for 3-4 days a year, but after all the prep work and all the school disruptions it eats up so much more instruction than just 5 half days. I know you are anti-STAAR, too. Just saying even in different districts it seems to work differently.
I am absolutely dreading these tests but I see no way out. Opting out isn't viable for us. That would harm her more than help her long term. I see so many friends on my FB feed with 8 and 9 year olds crying from the stress. WTH. It's so messed up. A 9 year old should not be under so much pressure.
Um no. There are mandated state testing days. Each district can't do it their own way.if you google Texas state testing days it will give you the schedule. I agree with the speech issue and out district has found a way around that.
Not implying that every district dictates testing dates. That would be impossible. I'm just saying the impact on the rest of the school must vary. On paper 4-5 days of testing sounds okay. In theory it doesn't appear to work that way. I love our school we will just see how it all plays out.
Our tests are all online now, which means we have to take a longer window to complete them all, because even though I'm in an extremely fortunate district technology-wise, there are still only so many testing-level computers, not to mention the smaller labs set aside for small group IEP testing, etc.
AND, in the midst of all this, Pearson (may they rot in hell) is having so many issues that the State suspended testing indefinitely today.
You guys test weird. Seriously I thought Texas was bad, but it seems comparing here we are one of the most normal. Seriously 5 half days is the most our kids test. Most teachers will tell you while it sucks it's really not that disruptive.
At the elementary level testing takes up 8 half days I believe. So, in this case, we should be more like Texas???
You guys test weird. Seriously I thought Texas was bad, but it seems comparing here we are one of the most normal. Seriously 5 half days is the most our kids test. Most teachers will tell you while it sucks it's really not that disruptive.
At the elementary level testing takes up 8 half days I believe. So, in this case, we should be more like Texas???
Well don't go that far. But after reading here it does seem like as fucked up as our testing is, the kids don't spend weeks doing it, not even close. Our elementary kids test 4 half days max and that's only one grade. Most test 2.
Our tests are all online now, which means we have to take a longer window to complete them all, because even though I'm in an extremely fortunate district technology-wise, there are still only so many testing-level computers, not to mention the smaller labs set aside for small group IEP testing, etc.
AND, in the midst of all this, Pearson (may they rot in hell) is having so many issues that the State suspended testing indefinitely today.
So wait, are you telling me that we might NOT having testing Thursday, Friday and Monday this week? Because that seriously screws with the adaptations I've made to my plans...auroraloo
Our tests are all online now, which means we have to take a longer window to complete them all, because even though I'm in an extremely fortunate district technology-wise, there are still only so many testing-level computers, not to mention the smaller labs set aside for small group IEP testing, etc.
AND, in the midst of all this, Pearson (may they rot in hell) is having so many issues that the State suspended testing indefinitely today.
So wait, are you telling me that we might NOT having testing Thursday, Friday and Monday this week? Because that seriously screws with the adaptations I've made to my plans...auroraloo