The Oakland Press has written about parents who are opting out and refusing the state assessments, including M-STEP. This means YOU are having an impact. Parents are learning that they CAN opt out and sharing the information with others in their area.
Here are some quotes from their article, “Parents aim to opt their kids out of new state tests.”
The concern over Common Core curriculum is bringing together people from other political parties and races and other groups, said Brenda Hewitt, of Lake Orion. It’s the biggest white elephant in the room I have ever seen.” Hewett said.
“Some parents, such as Jennifer Halucha, of Troy, have already notified their districts they don’t want their children to take the M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress).
“I don’t think they need another test,” Halucha said at a meeting of parents from around Oakland County and The Oakland Press recently. The parents hadn’t met face-to-face before but are affiliated with the group “Stop Common Core in Michigan,” and/or other local, state or national groups such as “United Opt Out,” and communicate through social media.
They said parents around the state and United States are taking the opt out option.”
The parents also noted that the MDE is telling parents that opting out is NOT an option. Diana Murray, Oakland Press reporter also states, “Opt outs not legal under state law.” This is FALSE. The MDE confirmed that a parent can opt out. Here’s the quote from an MDE email written by Chad Bailey of the MDE,
“First and foremost please let me make clear that under both federal and state law (Michigan School Code 380.10) you are fully within your rights to refuse participation in state assessments. “
Parents YOU can opt out and refuse the M-STEP. Please go to our Stop Common Core in Michigan Facebook page and connect with other parents who are also opting out. There may be even a Facebook page for parents in your area. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
To learn how to opt out, please read our post, How to Opt-Out with FAQ here.