Assessments (tests) are a key component of the Common Core. Currently, Michigan is part of the Smarter Balanced Consortia (SBAC). The SBAC has 24 states and territories at various stages of implementation. Due to House Concurrent Resolution 11, Michigan lawmakers are holding hearings to gather information about the different assessments available, including SBAC. Other states in SBAC are further along and already piloted the tests. Lawmakers and the MDE officials would be wise to consider what teachers in other states are saying about the Smarter Balanced Assessments. It isn’t positive.
New Hampshire middle school Principal John Nelson, sent a letter to NH state school officials outlining serious concerns teachers have with the Smarter Balanced tests they piloted in December, 2013. At Missouri Education Watch, Gretchen Logue, posted the Nashua letter and commented
“The comments listed in his letter came from “frustrations they (teachers) had when they were taking the test and disappointment in test format and the difficulties they had trying to use their computer to take this test” that teachers expressed in a debriefing session. Some comments that stand out.
I feel sad for the students who have to take this test — not many will be successful.
Kids won’t even get past the computer directions
This was more of a test on the computer skills than on math concepts.
I am concerned that the math test is not necessarily testing students math abilities since there is so much reading.
I did 30 questions in an hour and then had to take a break. My eyes hurt and my shoulders felt strained. When I returned 5 minutes later the work was gone.”
Is a pilot test that causes unnecessary stress and the loss of class time truly in the best interest of our children? We certainly don’t think so.
In a previous post, we identified several critical factors to consider on assessments. We would strongly encourage lawmakers to consider these factors and the comments from these teachers as they gather their information on assessments. But parents don’t have to wait for their decision before making sure that their children are not subjected to unnecessary assessments.
To Michigan parents, the Revised MI School Code states:
THE REVISED SCHOOL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 451 of 1976 380.10
Rights of parents and legal guardians; duties of public schools. [M.S.A. 15.4010 ] Sec. 10. It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children. The public schools of this state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil’s parents and legal guardians to develop the pupil’s intellectual capabilities and vocational skills in a safe and positive environment. HistoryAdd. 1995, Act 289, Eff. July 1, 1996
In the coming weeks, your child may be asked to take the PLAN, EXPLORE, MME, or the SBAC pilot assessments. We encourage all parents to consider the best interests of your children and decide which assessments best develop your child’s intellectual capabilities in a safe and positive environment and which are unnecessary distractions to their learning.
If you decide not to have your child participate an opt-out form is provided below in PDF form. You can print and take this form to your child’s school to let them know your child will be opting out of assessments.