Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

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Opt out

testing testing

New York
August 11, 2015

Three comparisons to watch in New York state’s 2015 test scores

The state's high opt-out numbers will call city-to-state comparisons into question, but year-to-year comparisons might offer a rare look at progress over time.

Just saying no

Colorado
July 27, 2015

After widespread test protests last fall, opting out spread during spring exams

The brushfire of testing refusal sparked by some high school seniors last fall spread during the state’s main testing season this spring, a Chalkbeat Colorado survey has found.

Looking ahead

New York
June 2, 2015

Incoming commissioner Elia talks evals, promises to listen to opt-out concerns

MaryEllen Elia said Tuesday that she favors giving school districts more time to make changes to their teacher evaluation systems, but skirted questions about other hot-button issues.

Obligations

New York
April 21, 2015

As opt-out numbers grow, Arne Duncan says feds may have to step in

The education secretary's comments come as an advocacy group in New York reports that more than 184,000 students statewide opted out.

'Big For Us'

New York
April 17, 2015

Amid a statewide surge, city’s opt-out movement is small but growing

As students finished state English exams, advocates said more city parents than ever refused to let their kids take the tests at schools with active “opt-out” movements.

an objective measure

New York
April 7, 2015

As new teacher evaluation system looms, Tisch defends need for state tests

Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch continues to defend the need for state tests as an objective measure in the new teacher evaluation system.

litmus tests

New York
April 1, 2015

As NYSUT endorses testing opt-outs, city union holds back

After the head of the state teachers union urged parents this week to boycott the state tests, some are calling on the UFT to follow suit.

nonstarter

Colorado
March 18, 2015

Opt-out leader opposes bill that would legitimize parent refusal of state tests

A bill to legitimize opting-out of state exams was given an OK by the Colorado Senate Monday. But a lead organizer behind the movement opposes the bill. Here's why.

Student & School Performance

Tennessee
March 11, 2015

Legislative panel says Tennessee students must continue taking ACT test

A bill that would allow Tennessee eleventh-graders to forego the ACT exam causes debate and even tears during a House education subcommittee.

push back

New York
March 11, 2015

At widespread anti-Cuomo protests, parents and teachers to join hands

Pushback against Gov. Andrew Cuomo's education agenda sparked plans for rallies across the city.
Tennessee
March 3, 2015

Rise & Shine: State department will examine whether there are too many tests in school

eyes on opt-out

New York
February 11, 2015

City Council members want city to give parents opt-out info

Two city lawmakers are calling on the city to give parents information about how to opt their children out of state tests.

keeping track

New York
August 19, 2014

Final 'opt-out' numbers show movement jumped in city

About 4,700 city students did not take this year's English tests and 15,470 students didn't take the math exams, according to an updated tally released by the State Education Department and the city Department of Education. The totals include 1,925 students whose protesting parents opted their children out of taking the tests, a 450 percent increase over last year.

Recap

New York
August 14, 2014

Between two rounds of test scores, a rocky year for the Common Core

After last year's dismal test scores, Common Core skepticism went mainstream. Where they head after the release of this year's scores remains to be seen.

rise to the challenge

New York
April 2, 2014

Fariña: Let's respect those who opt out—and those who are "ready for the challenge"

Chancellor Carmen Fariña took a subtle shot at the growing number of parents who are opting their children out of this month's standardized testing, highlighting the parents whose kids are taking the test as being "ready for the challenge."