Worcester Schools Face Even More Confusion Over New Standardized Test Changes
Monday, October 20, 2014
Although the first page of Chester’s memo states that students will not be allowed to opt-out of the MCAS or the PARCC test this year, the second page of the memo has language saying that students will be allowed to refuse to participate.
“If the building principal has provided this information to the parent and student and the student still refuses to participate in the state assessments, the principal should see to it that the student is engaged in an alternate educational activity and is not distracting other students during the testing period. In some cases it may be appropriate for the student to be removed from the testing room. The test administrator's manual will include instructions for reporting a student's refusal to participate.”
Worcester is one of three districts that was allowed to split the district and utilize both tests, which the administration and school committee voted on and decided to do.
Alternative Education Needed
When Worcester School Committee member Brian O’Connell brought up the memo and idea of opting out of standardized testing for the upcoming school year at the most recent school committee meeting, he had two main goals in mind.
Not only was O’Connell looking for answers for parents, teachers, guardians, and students – like what the exact protocol for refusing the test is and if students will face disciplinary action for refusing the test – he was also hoping to ensure that students who refuse will be afforded a quality education-based alternative to the test.
Still Allowed to Refuse
Many throughout the city and the state have lined up in opposition to PARCC testing for a variety of reasons: many decry that the test, which is based on national standards, will lower the standards of Massachusetts and the MCAS test, a standardized test tailor-made for the Commonwealth.
Donna Colorio, founder of statewide PARCC opposition group Common Core Forum, is one of the many who is trying to properly educate parents, guardians, and students about the proper procedures to opt-out of PARCC testing.
“The state is mandated to administer the tests and have to encourage students to take them, but students are by no means required to take the PARCC test,” said Colorio. “Opting out is not an option for students but refusing the test certainly is. The administration can encourage all they want but that in no way requires students to take the test.”
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