Lower Grades Expected on Common Cores Tests

Commack students in grades three through eight will begin taking Common Core tests in English and language arts (ELA) and mathematics today.

The common core curriculum, adopted by 42 states so far, is a national standard to align student learning and better prepare them for college and careers.

The Common Core Learning Standards are considered the most challenging state assessment students have seen as students are expected to understand more complex works of literature, spend more time analyzing non-fiction texts and explore real-world applications of mathematical reasoning. 

John King, Jr., New York State Commissioner of Education, stated that parents should expect to see a decrease in scores by 15- to 30-percent from last year. While, grades are anticipated to drop across the state, Commack school officials have stated that local students are equipped with the knowledge to take on the exams. 

“Nevertheless, we remain confident that our students are well prepared and ready for these state assessments,” Adele Pecora, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment said in a letter to parents. 

She said that Commack teachers have been working to prepare their students for the rigorous tests. 

“Our students have consistently exceeded the State standards, and I am confident that they will continue to perform well,” she wrote.

As the difficult tests approach, some parents are debating to have their children opt-out of the exams citing high stress placed upon students to meet the new standards, as well as the idea that such testing takes away from the classroom curriculum. 

On Facebook, a handful of "opt out" groups have formed, like this one here, in which parents share information, resources, opinions and anecdotes regarding the idea that their children can refuse to participate in the testing. However, according to this article published by the New York State Association of School Attorneys, New York State education law does not allow for opting out of the tests except in certain special education circumstances.

Phyllis De Francesco Crawley does not have a high opinion in the tests. 

“The standardized tests only accomplish two things: destroying students' self confidence and undermining teachers' ability to actually teach,” she said via the Commack Patch Facebook page

Jeannie Tzanetos Cecere agreed.

“These tests and preparations for them are taking over the classrooms,” she said. “Children should be assessed by their own classroom teacher who knows their abilities and weaknesses. Standardized tests do not take into account a child’s effort or willingness to learn. Some children are just not good test takers and should not be faulted for this. It is sad that we as a society should still be trying to ‘one up’ each other to prove that we live in the ‘best school district.’”

The ELA testing will take place April 16, 17 and 18. The mathmatics portion of the tests will take place April 24, 25 and 26.

What's your take on student testing? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.