New Jersey Mom Confused After Receiving Perceived PARCC Scores For Son Who Didn't Take Test

CLIFTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- One New Jersey mother is upset after she received what appeared to be a test score for a controversial student exam that her son didn't take.

As CBS2's Christine Sloan reported, Tova Felder received a cover letter from Clifton Public Schools in New Jersey, and along with it was what appeared to be her son's scores for the PARCC exam, short for Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers.

The only problem, she said, is her son didn't take the test.

"It says I got a 732, which is lower than all the averages. Which wouldn't be anything that I would get," said sixth-grader Jesse Felder-Pfaff.

The 11-year-old, who is on the honor roll at Wilson Middle School, is one of many students across New Jersey who opted-out and refused to take the computer-based exam; their parents calling the test flawed and too difficult.

Some were also angry the test is being used to measure some teachers performances.

"They should have had a separate letter for parents whose children did not take it, saying 'this is a sample of PARCC results,'" Felder said.

CBS2 reached out to the state Department of Education. A spokesperson said letters from schools are written by the district, not them.

Some schools are sending parents standard cover letters and online guides to help explain overall results, even if their kids didn't take the test, Sloan reported.

However, NJ Dept. Of Education spokesman Michael Yaple said parents whose children did not take the assessment are not receiving PARCC scores, that Felder is one example and there is no evidence of this occurring throughout the state.

But Felder insists the letter is confusing.

"I have some friends who got a letter saying your child did not take PARCC or your child did not complete the test," she said.

CBS2 also reached out to Clifton Public Schools, but so far have not received a response due to the district being closed for the holidays.

PARCC is given to grades three to 11, and right now is not a requirement for graduation or to enter college.

The state Department of Education said the exam is the best way to let students know how they are doing and what they need to improve on.

Regardless, Jesse Felder-Pfaff said he won't be taking the exam next year either.