The Smarter Balanced Interim Field Test will take place in Michigan from March 24 – May 23 2014. According to a document on assessments the field tests will include K-2,
Interim assessments will be piloted in the content areas of English language Arts (ELA) and mathematics for grades K, 1, and 2; and science and social studies for grades 3 through high school.
The ELA and mathematics interim assessments for grades K, 1, and 2 are aligned to the Common Core State Standards. The science and social studies interim assessments are aligned to Michigan’s current Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs) and High School Content Expectations (HSCEs).
Participation in this State of Michigan authorized pilot test opportunity counts toward satisfying district participation requirement #4 of the 22i Technology Readiness Infrastructure Grant (TRIG).
Smarter field assessments will testing K-2 children on computer-adaptive tests. Is that really the best use of a young child’s class time? As the last sentence indicates, participation keeps the free money flowing. It’s about money and data, not children and what is best for them.
According to the Michigan Department of Education nearly every Michigan school has been approved for field testing. This is a field test of interim assessments so some schools may not be participating. We oppose the Smarter Balanced Assessment and oppose using our children as guinea pigs for the benefit of corporations and data tracking.
Contact your child’s school and find out of they are piloting the interim Smarter Balanced Assessment.
Parents and teachers don’t give in, opt-out. You can learn more about opting out here.
Here is an opt-out form you can print or modify and take to your child’s school.
If you decide to opt-out, please contact us and let us know your experience. We are here to help support you!
And if you’re looking for a one-page cheat sheet to get you up to speed on the Common Core, please read Diane Ravitch’s speech republished in the Washington Post. Every day we are hearing from more parents who are getting informed and opting out. Remember, you are not alone.
We will be hosting a conference call next Wednesday March 12, 2014 to answer your questions on Common Core and Smarter Balanced Assessments.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Dial-in: 1-857-232-0157
Conference code: 864556