Report: Thousands Of Students Opted-Out Of Standardized Tests
STONY POINT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Amid the controversy over Common Core-aligned tests for public school students, one thing is clear: the opt-out movement is growing.
As WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported, more and more parents are expressing displeasure with the exams given to 3rd-8th graders.
According to The Journal News, more than 1,700 North Rockland students were opted out of the test, equating to 49 percent.
In Clarkstown, 31 percent-- close to 1,200 students-- opted out; 50 percent in Mahopac, 41 percent in Ramapo Central and 38 percent in Pearl River did not take the tests.
Report: Thousands Of Students Opted-Out Of Standardized Tests
Some parents complain the tests are too grueling and causing anxiety.
The New York State United Teachers union has also called for a boycott over concerns that test scores will be linked to teacher evaluations. The Legislature recently approved a stricter teacher evaluation system in which test scores can account for 50 percent of the performance reviews.
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino opted his children out for a second straight year.
"I want high standards, but there's a much better way to do it. It was done in secrecy, there was really no input from teachers or the public or parents," Astorino said.
State education officials warn this will skew data that tracks progress with the Common Core and some districts could lose good standing and federal aid.
Astorino will hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon to demand the state immediately release statistics of how many children opted out of the exams.
