Lets look at the email I received about Domenic opting out of the ELA. Is this a subtle scare tactic? Or something that needs to be spewed per the powers that be in charge of state testing ? We all know I dont scare easily and am smarter than the level they are writing this to and for. Its a bit long, but any thoughts? Dear Ms. ________ Dr. Mitchell has been in phone contact with you. Please consider the informational letter below from Dr. Morton: I am writing to you to in response to your contact regarding the administration of the upcoming New York State Assessments to your child. The testing program provides us with a point of information regarding individual and collective student performance. This is used by our teachers, along with a myriad of other information including classroom performance and other assessments, to help modify and develop curriculum and class activities that move students forward. Sadly, I believe, too much emphasis has been placed on the political issues related to student performance and the comparisons of school districts through this one point of data. With that said, I recognize that there are those that respectfully disagree with the state assessment testing program. You have requested that on the day of these tests on the days of the ELA, Math or Science test your child not participate in the testing.You are further requesting that your child be provided with an alternate location and be allowed to read other materials during the testing session. Despite the logistics of administering this testing program to over four thousand students, we will attempt to meet this request while remaining in compliance with the State Education requirements. However as the educational leader of this district, I implore you to reconsider your intention and allow your children to participate fully in all school activities. Our staff is prepared to assist individual students and families place these tests in their proper context. On the day(s) of the test we will provide an alternate location for your child who attend schools and has a letter indicating that you are aware that the student is not participating in the state testing. Your child will be allowed to read quietly. He/She will return to his/her regular activities when testing is completed. If your child does not attend school, we will not have them attend a makeup session upon their return. Federal guidelines require that State tests be administered in English Language Arts and Mathematics in Grades 3-8 and in Science at least once during grades 3-5 and 6-9. According to the New York State Offices of Testing and Accountability and the Commissioner of Education, state tests are considered part of a “course of study” and part of the program requirements for students in grades 3-8. These assessments provide useful information about your child’s progress and the progress of the district in preparing all children to meet the demands of the standards adopted by the Board of Regents. Please note that any action to prevent your child from participating in these state tests may have repercussions for your child’s school and our district. New York State expects a 95% or higher participation rate in the administration of these tests from each school. If your child’s school or our district falls below this threshold, we run the risk of being designated as not meeting the expectations established by the state and federal government. In addition, our district receives and depends upon federal funds such as Title I, which supports schools economically and Title IIA, which is a primary source for professional development. A negative designation alters the way and manner in which these funds can be used in the district. In essence, not meeting the 95% participation rate may result in our district having to shift funds away from certain programs or schools in the future. While we can appreciate and participate in discussions to bring attention to the emphasis placed on testing by New York State, an action to protest by preventing your child from taking these tests may hurt us and our children. The weeks and days leading up to the tests always produce anxiety in all of us. We want to spend these few days concentrating on ways to create a positive and comfortable testing environment for the children of our district. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, J. Thomas Morton. Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Kevin G. Horan Campus Principal Felix V. Festa Middle School Campus
Posted on: Tue, 01 Apr 2014 21:44:02 +0000
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