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

While parents in Smithtown 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 Smithtown Patch Facebook page, community members had this to say:

“Unfortunately, teachers today are teaching for the state tests instead of teaching for content as they used to because their jobs depend on their students doing well,” said Elizabeth Ela Gil. “These state tests are becoming more and more of an issue and they are causing undo stress and aggravation on students and teachers alike. And parents should absolutely have the right to opt out of these stupid tests if they see that it is causing their children undo stress and aggravation.”

Lisa Hoffmann Townsend said she was at the Smithtown Board of Education meeting and had a lot to say on the subject. Click here to read her entire post on our Facebook page.

Louis Maurici wasn’t opposed to standardized testing.

“Here's an idea. Let's not reward above-average students, and let's not try new strict and creative ways to help below-average students achieve more,” Maurici said. “Let the kids create their own curriculum of crayons and iced cream, and let's not hold them to any standards at all. I mean, really, learning and testing? In school? Good grief!”

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.