Amid Standardized Testing Discussion, Hauppauge Parents Debate 'Opting Out'

While parents in Hauppauge debate the value of standardized tests for elementary and middle school students, the conversation has focused around one key question.

Can parents choose to not have their children take these tests, known as "opting out"?

The term refers to the question of whether parents can choose to have their children in grades 3 through 8 not take the upcoming state standardized tests, which are designed to measure proficiency in English and math based on the new "common core" school curriculum. 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.

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.

Supporters of the "opt out" movement say the testing is too stressful for kids and it takes away valuable classroom time that could be spent focusing on the curriculum rather than on test prep. Some also say the lower passing scores will lead to low self-esteem in students who may feel upset for performing "poorly" on the tests.

Via the Hauppauge Patch Facebook page, community members debated the topic.

Amy Henmc put it bluntly.

“I have just one word: Finland,” she wrote.

Kris Nielsen said that students spend too much time taking tests and opting out should be allowed.

“It's estimated that many students in New York State will spend up to 25 percent of their school year taking tests this year,” said Nielsen. “Yes, that's way too much. Parents should absolutely have the legal option to formally opt their children out of these tests, as they do not inform instruction or lead to effective learning.”

Lori Atkinson Griffin thinks the state relies too much on testing.

“New York definitely overuses standardized tests and eliminates precious time that could be used doing authentic assessment or molding curriculum to fit the specific needs of the kids in the class,” she said.

When Griffin introduced an important topic for discussion last year she said it sparked discussion throughout the entire high school and ended up being “one of my best teaching experiences.”

The problem is that the book she taught from wasn’t up to standards.

“However, according to the Core, it isn't hard enough and doesn't ‘challenge,’” she said. “The tests will be ridiculous as well. It is stated that NYSED expects kids to fail. What are we doing to our kids? They will hate reading and writing because the joy is being sucked away. It is now a tedious activity for the sole purpose of data collection.”

George Murphy and Damion Cocchi both said that the state overuses standardized testing and parents should have the right to opt-out.

“The focus is on testing not on education,” said Cocchi.

A meeting on the topic of standardized testing – which will feature discussion by retired educators, school attorneys and the founder of one of the "opt out" Facebook pages – is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. at Willow Creek Golf and Country Club in Mount Sinai.

What's your take on student testing? Do you support the idea that parents should be allowed to opt out of the testing for their children? Log in to Patch and share your thoughts as a comment below.