In Michigan and around the country, parents and teachers are saying “NO!” to the assessments that drive the Common Core. It’s making a huge impact and changing policy in many states.
After initially threatening parents and teachers who opted-out, the Chicago Public School System backed down.
In a February 28, 2014, 5 p.m. email communication, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Public Schools, backed off from the threats of retaliation to teachers boycotting the ISAT and the children whose parents are opting them out she made in her February 27 letter.
In the latest CPS directives, boycotting teachers have an option to swipe out for no pay or supervise opting out students. Opting out children will have to hear ISAT test directions, but they will then be able to read materials of their choice.
Parents and teachers, don’t be intimidated. If opting-out worked in Chicago, it can work in Michigan and anywhere.
The assessments are an integral part of the P-20 data-driven system that will use individual-level student data for workforce development. A quote from the Workforce Data Quality Initiative spells it out very clearly,
“Enable workforce data to be matched with education data to ultimately create longitudinal data systems with individual-level information beginning with pre-kindergarten through post-secondary schooling all the way through entry and sustained participation in the workforce and employment services system.”
The goal is a P-20 data driven system for workforce development using individual-level student data from cradle-career. Student privacy is not protected in this system. When parents and teachers opt-out, the P-20 system cannot continue to function.
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!