I have been a classroom teacher in New York for 20 years, and a parent for almost half that time. Recently, I have watched as the State Education Department has cheapened our children's education in the name of reform, with its obsessive focus on mandated testing.
This year, my eighth-grade students will have to take 25 state-mandated tests over 30 days. In another year or so, the state will impose up to five more annual tests.
NYSED claims these exams hold schools responsible for learning. But their unthinking and harmful implementation suggests their approach is, at best, wrongheaded. Between their preparation, administration and scoring, the exams cut deeply into instructional time. Curriculum is being driven by the tests. And teachers are less likely to take creative educational risks that could lead to richer learning experiences for children because 40 percent of their evaluations are based on student performance on two or three exams.
I've tolerated this exponential testing increase because, as an educator, I have little choice. Because it is now chiefly a political entity, NYSED does not seem to want to listen to the difficulties mere teachers report.
As a parent, I refuse to put up with the tests. My wife and I have urged our daughter to write "I refuse" on every state exam she is given. According to NYSED guidance, she cannot be penalized and it cannot negatively impact her grade.
I urge other parents to seek information about the choice we made with our daughter. We have found www.nystoptesting.com is a good place to start. State exams begin today. Perhaps if enough parents reject excessive testing, someone in power will listen.
Larry Tuxbury
Albany