Opt Out!

March, 2015

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Over the past few years, parents of our students have become increasingly aware of the high stakes consequences associated with the ELA and Mathematics tests for 3rd through 8th grade children. Last year, a number of Baldwin parents opted to “refuse” the 3-8 state tests for their children.

While it would be inappropriate for an individual teacher to advise a parent on “opting-out” of the state tests, we hope that you can use this informational letter to help you form your own decision regarding your child’s educational experience. Please refer to the links on the bottom of this letter for more information about your right to “refuse” the test.

The Baldwin Teachers Association, as well as its state affiliate NYSUT, fully supports parents’ right to choose what is best for their children and a parent’s right to “refuse” the state standardized tests if the parent believes state testing is inappropriate and/or may be harmful to his or her child. Additionally, students should not be subject to any type of “sit and stare” policy that requires them to sit in a test room for up to 10 hours over the course of the testing period. We think that this practice is abusive and we oppose it. Thankfully, the Baldwin School District does not adhere to this “sit and stare” policy.

While the New York State Education Department’s overreliance on state tests creates unfortunate consequences for our students, teachers and schools, please know that we value your children as more than a test score.

Sincerely,

Christopher L. Greer President 

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