Opting out of state testing?

[frugalmama]

Specifically looking for info on opting out in Texas, but experiences in other states too.

We are hsing, but considering using a virtual public school down the road. I don't agree with state testing at all, especially now that they are planning to start testing every year starting in kindergarten.

[whatsnextmom]

It's not hard to do in California. You just tell the principal your child isn't testing and that it that. Personally, my kids have always enjoyed testing so never saw a reason not to do it.

[eclipse]

I'm another Californian - and it's really easy here. I think you have to notify them in writing or something. Sometimes charters are a lot pickier about it, though, because if 90% of their kids don't take it, they can lose their charter. I know when I was with CAVA, every year about that time someone would post in the yahoo group about how to opt out and someone would provide them with a typical letter to copy (and then there would be a big debate about whether it was the right thing to do, blah blah blah). If you haven't joined the yahoo group for the Texas academy, you should do that and search their archives, or just throw the question out and see what experiences people have had.

[cycle]

Originally Posted by frugalmama

Specifically looking for info on opting out in Texas, but experiences in other states too.

We are hsing, but considering using a virtual public school down the road. I don't agree with state testing at all, especially now that they are planning to start testing every year starting in kindergarten.

I was not aware of this. Can you give some more information please, is this a TX thing or nationwide? Thanks.

[Linda on the move]

In our state testing is required and funding is linked to test scores. Even special needs kids test. This is a very state specific issue.

Testing really hasn't been a big deal for my kids. We are former homeschoolers and I feel that school works best if you accept it as a package deal. Fighting over little things is exhausting and puts a lot of negative energy in your life. If you need to control everything, homeschooling is the better option. If you can accept that not everything is perfect but feel that overall school is the best option, it can work well.

[frugalmama]

Originally Posted by cycle

I was not aware of this. Can you give some more information please, is this a TX thing or nationwide? Thanks.

TX for sure, beginning with a phase-in starting this year. They are also requiring all incoming freshman to pass end of course exams from the state for ALL core subjects before they can graduate. You can have a 4.0 average and not be able to graduate because you didn't do well on the state exam.

I have no idea about other states - TX is test-happy IMO

[kittykat2481]

I remember testing in the 10th grade with the understanding that if you didn't pass that particular test, you couldn't move on to 11th grade (in Texas). I'm not sure, but 3rd grade might be similar. I wasn't aware that they were going to begin testing in every grade, but I agree with the pp that I wonder if it's worth the fight. Of course, that's up for you to decide. Maybe there is someone you could contact at the TEA to find out?

[34me]

Here in CO you can opt out in writing. I have had a couple discussions with teachers about opting out because although my kiddos have never stressed about it, I don't like the teach to the test mentality some teachers/school have. However, as a pp said a lot of funding is tied to the test scores. Both low and high. If test scores don't show AYP funding can be lost. So I still have my kids taking the stupid test....

[frugalmama]

Originally Posted by Linda on the move

In our state testing is required and funding is linked to test scores. Even special needs kids test. This is a very state specific issue.

Testing really hasn't been a big deal for my kids. We are former homeschoolers and I feel that school works best if you accept it as a package deal. Fighting over little things is exhausting and puts a lot of negative energy in your life. If you need to control everything, homeschooling is the better option. If you can accept that not everything is perfect but feel that overall school is the best option, it can work well.

I'm not trying to fight over everything, just looking to see if it's an option. I'm a single mom, and hsing breaks the budget every year. If I can figure out a way to use a virtual charter school {k-12} to supply most things without doing testing, I'm all for it as a way to help provide things I can't with my budget.

[whatsnextmom]

You can have a 4.0 average and not be able to graduate because you didn't do well on the state exam.

Those high school tests are incredibly easy. In our state, they have to get 55 percent correct on the math section which tops at 8th grade math level. The English tops at 10th grade level and only 60 percent needed to pass. No 4.0 student is going to fail. In fact, more than 90 perect pass it. Even if you were tested in your subject, state tests are always much easier than your standard end-of-year final. If a child is unable to pass it, well, maybe they do need some more help and that isn't something to be ashamed of.

I'm sure you can get around testing if you are that concerned about it. We have lots of homeschooling charters and it's common for families to opt out of it.

[AndrewsMother]

Originally Posted by whatsnextmom

Those high school tests are incredibly easy. In our state, they have to get 55 percent correct on the math section which tops at 8th grade math level. The English tops at 10th grade level and only 60 percent needed to pass. No 4.0 student is going to fail. In fact, more than 90 perect pass it. Even if you were tested in your subject, state tests are always much easier than your standard end-of-year final. If a child is unable to pass it, well, maybe they do need some more help and that isn't something to be ashamed of.

I'm sure you can get around testing if you are that concerned about it. We have lots of homeschooling charters and it's common for families to opt out of it.

I worked for Houston Community College mentoring Houston Independent School District Students to apply to college/trade school/university/community college. I would say at least half of students taking AP classes were unable to pass the state exams on the first attempt and did poorly on the SAT/ACT. The majority of the students had to complete three to 4 remedial courses in college before even attempting college level work, so it it possible to have a 4.0 and fail the state exams.

I think that the exams are a double edge sword. There is too much testing, but each year students graduate knowing less than those in previous years, so something is needed to assess their level of knowledge.