Many parents who adamantly oppose common core state standards and high-stakes testing would like to opt out and refuse the M-STEP; however, they are cautious because they worry about penalties to the school if they refuse. Today’s Washington Post should help put those fears to rest. The threat of federal penalties turns out to be just another pressure tactic to force compliance The Washington Post quotes Monty Neill, executive director of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, known as FairTest. The threat of federal penalties turns out to be false and just another pressure tactic to force compliance
Neill writes,
Assistant Education Secretary Deborah Delisle recently indicated she expected state superintendents to pressure parents to comply. She added that the Education Department could consider other federal education requirements to use against schools that do not receive Title I. But she also acknowledged the U.S. government does not intend to take funding away from programs that serve children!
Clearly, some government officials are trying to bully parents into submission (see, for example, Illinois, New Jersey and New York). By muddying the water with inaccurate statements about the intricacies of federal law and waivers, these officials seek to reduce opt-out numbers and buy time for discredited test-and-punish schemes. Overall, however, this tactic is failing as opt-out numbers increase and more parents and students get involved in the resistance movement….Activists must continue to educate parents, the media, and officials about false federal funding cut-off claims. As public school stakeholders become more aware of disinformation campaigns, they are likely to grow angrier and more willing to fight the tests. (emphasis added)
Parents, do NOT be intimidated by their false claims and high-pressure tactics. The MDE previously confirmed you are “within your rights” to refuse state assessments. The time is NOW to stand up for YOUR children and REFUSE the M-STEP!
How to Refuse M-STEP with FAQ