Testing refusal rates in your district

[nugov2]

Sorry, but you are incorrect on that one. This is copied straight from the ISBE website (Illinois State Board of Education):
Schools and districts must administer these assessments. Students may not opt out of the PARCC assessment. Federal law -- specifically, the Elementary Education and Secondary Education Act (also known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) -- requires states (including Illinois) receiving Title I funds to provide for the participation in the state’s academic assessment of all designated students. See Section 1111(b)(3)(c)(ix)(I) of that law. A district that allows students to opt out of the state’s required test would directly violate both federal and state law.

I know that. Not having opt out doesn't prevent a parent from refusing the test. To refuse you send a letter. Many states don't allow opting out that does not mean that the student themselves have to refuse the test right there on the spot in front of the class lol

The law regarding students’ refusing state mandated accountability testing has not changed since last year. State and federal law say that schools must administer these tests, but not that children must take them.

Federal law (NCLB) requires states receiving Title I funds to create a statewide assessment that "provides for the participation in such assessments of all students". State law, created to comply with NCLB, is that "the State Board of Education shall annually assess all students enrolled in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and mathematics." So, these are duties for the government to perform.

They are not obligations for action by the students. Additionally, ISBE acknowledges in many places that children may refuse testing. ISBE general counsel conceded that students cannot be compelled to take the exams.

There are refusal letters that you can use on the Internet for Illinois. Once a legal guardian has refused testing the student doe not have to also vocally refuse the test.

 

[pryncess527]

There are refusal letters that you can use on the Internet for Illinois. Once a legal guardian has refused testing the student doe not have to also vocally refuse the test.

Yes, and according to the Illinois State Board of Education website, if you send them one of those "opt out" letters -- you get this in response -- which, as I take it, pretty much says "thanks for your letter but opting out is not an option"

Dear Parent/Guardian:


We received your request to opt out of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments. We appreciate your investment in your child’s education and want to share with you some information about this new state assessment system.


In 2010, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) adopted new, more rigorous learning standards for English language arts and mathematics. Featuring new types of questions and innovative items, the PARCC assessment is a system designed to assess each student’s mastery of these new English language arts and mathematics learning standards.


The PARCC assessment replaces the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) and the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE), and differs from these former assessment systemsin a number of ways:

· The PARCC system aligns college and career readiness expectations from kindergarten through grade 12 for the first time in Illinois. (Our previous state tests did not and there was a longstanding disconnect in statewide results, with generally higher scores on the ISAT than the PSAE.)

· The assessments measure whether or not students have the academic knowledge and skills necessary to succeed after high school. The information can be used to address issues early on, reducing the percentage of students who have to take costly and time-consuming remedial classes in college.

· Using technology-enhanced items and various other innovations, students will get a chance to better showcase their skills and results will become available for use more quickly.

· Students must analyze information and explain their answers.

· The PARCC assessment takes advantage of technology to include questions and other tasks that correspond to the type of work that students will encounter in their classrooms on a regular basis and after high school. These assessments help to encourage schools to use technology as a day-to-day tool to enhance learning.


More than 110,000 students in 500 districts and 1,200 schools participated in field testing portions of the PARCC assessment in the spring of 2014 to help pave the way for the debut of PARCC as the state assessment in the 2014-15 school year. Third- through eighth-graders will take the PARCCassessmentin both English language arts and math. At the high school level, three PARCC tests will be available: Algebra II or Integrated Math III and English Language Arts III.


Schools and districts must administer these assessments. Students may not opt out of the PARCC assessment. Federal law -- specifically, the Elementary Education and Secondary Education Act (also known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) -- requires states (including Illinois) receiving Title I funds to provide for the participation in the state’s academic assessment of all designated students. See Section 1111(b)(3)(c)(ix)(I) of that law. A district that allows students to opt out of the state’s required test would directly violate both federal and state law.


Moreover, districts face lower public school recognition status and threaten their receipt of state and federal funds if they break the law and do not administer the PARCC assessment. Additionally, teachers and administrators who willingly refuse to comply with federal and state law face local disciplinary action and possible action by the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board.


The mandate for statewide assessment is just one part of an overall district and school assessment and accountability system. The tests help schools, districts and the state gauge how well students are learning relative to the new standards. We are aware of concerns that additional testing can intrude on instructional time. To address these concerns, we are working with districts and schools to help evaluate local testing programs and, ultimately, reduce the amount of testing for students, where appropriate. PARCC testing time, the aim of which is to provide information to improve the quality of instructional time, represents less than 1 percent of the school year.


Again, the state, local districts and schools are required to administer the PARCC assessment to all students. Districts can develop a policy for those students who refuse to take assessments on testing days, but federal and state law does not provide for any opt-out provisions. Therefore, ISBE does not provide any guidance on how a district or school can provide an “opt-out” because such an option would violate the law.


Finally, there is some misinformation about the role of PARCC and teacher evaluation.

In short, which assessments will be used to ascertain student growth are local decisions. There is no requirement that a district use the PARCC assessment for purposes of student growth, although a district, in collaboration with its teachers, may choose to do so.


Under state law, student growth must account for at least 25 percent of a teacher’s evaluation for the first two years of evaluations and at least 30 percent of a teacher’s evaluation in future years. State law calls for phasing in these new evaluations, with all districts using these new, more comprehensive evaluations by 2016-17. Under this law, called the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA), school districts and teacher groups are required to work together and choose from two of three types of assessments, preferably locally developed assessments, to measure student growth. To learn more, please visit an ISBE webpage devoted to PERA at http://www.isbe.net/PERA/default.htm or our Hot Topics page at http://www.isbe.net/hot-topics.htm, which covers teacher evaluations as well as PARCC and other statewide education initiatives.

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Yes, but the poster you quoted was disputing a claim made by another poster who specfically said



Which, as you note, is not true. For a child to opt out in Illinois, the child has to be present and refuse to participate.

Thanks for backing me up! That is exactly what I said...

 

[nugov2]

Yes, and according to the Illinois State Board of Education website, if you send them one of those "opt out" letters -- you get this in response -- which, as I take it, pretty much says "thanks for your letter but opting out is not an option"

Okay well again that isn't happening anywhere that I am aware of here. All schools are honoring testing refusal the same way they did ISAT and we never forced the child to opt out when a guardian stated they didn't want them testing. I do see why so many teachers are getting a bad rep if you know a teacher who would put a child through that. Luckily for me in both my years teaching and now that my own children are in school I have been in positive environments where the teachers and administrators don't take advantage of children because they can get away with it. They don't pull services because they can and don't put kids on the spot when they know they aren't suppose to be testing.

Once again just going to keep counting my lucky stars!

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

In Illinois you can not send an opt-out letter. As I stated (I have taught here for 23 years) your child will have to be given an opportunity to take the test and can refuse to do so. If you just keep your child home from school, they will be pulled from classes when they return and be given the test. Not saying I agree with this, but I do know the rules, having just administered the PARCC to about 600 kids.

I found the test to be challenging and very time-consuming, but what kids were asked to do (in the English section) was to write an argument, a narrative (finishing a creative story) and researching (taking information from multiple sources, writing a claim and supporting with evidence). Outside of the time out of the classroom (which was happening whether or not your child took the test or not), I can't see parents being opposed to their kids being tested on these valuable, essential skills. If the results are actually scored in a timely manner (which sadly they won't be) this could be a great way to spot areas of deficiency so we as teachers can better focus on them in our lessons.

 

[nugov2]

In Illinois you can not send an opt-out letter. As I stated (I have taught here for 23 years) your child will have to be given an opportunity to take the test and can refuse to do so. If you just keep your child home from school, they will be pulled from classes when they return and be given the test. Not saying I agree with this, but I do know the rules, having just administered the PARCC to about 600 kids.

I found the test to be challenging and very time-consuming, but what kids were asked to do (in the English section) was to write an argument, a narrative (finishing a creative story) and researching (taking information from multiple sources, writing a claim and supporting with evidence). Outside of the time out of the classroom (which was happening whether or not your child took the test or not), I can't see parents being opposed to their kids being tested on these valuable, essential skills. If the results are actually scored in a timely manner (which sadly they won't be) this could be a great way to spot areas of deficiency so we as teachers can better focus on them in our lessons.

I said letter of refusal and my experience is completely different. We never gave a test to a child whose legal guardian sent a letter of refusal. Different areas have different practices apparently. To me it is about respect and we respect the parents and students and would never put a child in that situation who we know their parents do not want them participating, but at the school I taught at it was only a handful of kids. I'm not saying you are lying about your district, but I personally feel it is unnecessary and cruel. It also isn't mandatory to do that when you have a letter of refusal.


"Districts can develop a policy for those students who refuse to take assessments on testing days, but federal and state law does not provide for any opt-out provisions," he said. "Therefore, ISBE does not provide any guidance on how a district or school can provide an "opt-out" because such an option would violate the law."

Again, I have only been a part of districts with compassion who respected the wishes of the parents and did not make a child refuse. They were excused to the Library to read during testing times or had to read quietly at their desk.

I do agree with the last half of your statement 110%! My oldest DD actually likes the testing, but even she felt it was long. It is just too much testing for all of the ones they do all year. Luckily we do not live in an area that teaches to the test though.

 

[pryncess527]

I said letter of refusal and my experience is completely different. We never gave a test to a child whose legal guardian sent a letter of refusal. Different areas have different practices apparently. To me it is about respect and we respect the parents and students and would never put a child in that situation who we know their parents do not want them participating, but at the school I taught at it was only a handful of kids. I'm not saying you are lying about your district, but I personally feel it is unnecessary and cruel. It also isn't mandatory to do that when you have a letter of refusal.


"Districts can develop a policy for those students who refuse to take assessments on testing days, but federal and state law does not provide for any opt-out provisions," he said. "Therefore, ISBE does not provide any guidance on how a district or school can provide an "opt-out" because such an option would violate the law."

Again, I have only been a part of districts with compassion who respected the wishes of the parents and did not make a child refuse. They were excused to the Library to read during testing times or had to read quietly at their desk.

"Districts can develop a policy for those students who refuse to take assessments on testing days," to me, even seems to imply that districts can develop a policy for students who refuse to take the test (i.e. leave it blank) but that the district can not just accept an opt out letter provided ahead of time by a guardian.

I understand and sympathize with the unfortunate situation this puts teachers in, and hate to see them demonized for doing what they think is right, whether that means giving the test or not. I will not attack teachers for upholding state and federal law by insisting that students have an opportunity to take the test, and if a student leaves the test blank, so be it. But with the recent criminalization of the teachers in Atlanta (and I know that case is different), I would be quite wary, as a teacher, to refuse to give a federally mandated test out of concern that I would not only be breaking the law, but be perceived as invalidating the results used for evaluation which some might see as fraud.

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

In addition to being legally bound to give every one of our high school students a test book (they can refuse to fill in any answers), I had to sign a PARCC Security Agreement, a legal document saying I would not read the test and/or discuss the content of it. All materials had to be counted, recounted and signed. Booklets of kids who refused to test had to be turned in separately and marked as such. I just follow the law as it is written and then I can get back to what I do best...teaching my students! We are a highly respected Chicago Suburban high school and followed the law to the letter!

 

[nugov2]

"Districts can develop a policy for those students who refuse to take assessments on testing days," to me, even seems to imply that districts can develop a policy for students who refuse to take the test (i.e. leave it blank) but that the district can not just accept an opt out letter provided ahead of time by a guardian.

I understand and sympathize with the unfortunate situation this puts teachers in, and hate to see them demonized for doing what they think is right, whether that means giving the test or not. I will not attack teachers for upholding state and federal law by insisting that students have an opportunity to take the test, and if a student leaves the test blank, so be it. But with the recent criminalization of the teachers in Atlanta (and I know that case is different), I would be quite wary, as a teacher, to refuse to give a federally mandated test out of concern that I would not only be breaking the law, but be perceived as invalidating the results used for evaluation which some might see as fraud.

Although Illinois requires public schools to administer these tests, ISBE does provide an exhaustive list of possible reasons for schools to use when declaring that a student has not taken a state-required test in this chart: http://www.isbe.net/sis/pdf/not_testing.pdf. These “Reasons for not Testing” include medically exempt, homebound exempt, in jail, out of state/country, deceased, absent or refusal, i.e. “student present but refused to participate in testing.” As such, the state clearly recognizes that students may refuse to participate in testing. Parents are encouraged to refuse in writing on behalf of their children who are legal minors. The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that parents posses the “fundamental right” to “direct the upbringing and education of their children.” Furthermore, the Court declared that “the child is not the mere creature of the State: those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right coupled with the high duty to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.” (Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510, 534-35) The Supreme Court criticized a state legislature for trying to interfere “with the power of parents to control the education of their own.” (Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390, 402.) In Meyer, the Supreme Court held that the right of parents to raise their children free from unreasonable state interferences is one of the unwritten "liberties" protected by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. (262 U.S. 399). In recognition of both the right and responsibility of parents to control their children’s education, the Court has stated, “It is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the child reside first in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for the obligations the State can neither supply nor hinder.” (Prince v.Massachusetts, 321 U.S. 158)

Here is one districts message in Illinois:

"we are obligated to administer the assessment in the manner prescribed." "We recognize that some students may elect not to complete the exam. Students have this right and will not be encouraged or coerced to complete the assessment," he said.


I think it is so loosely written, that each districts must decide what is best for them. Like I said, making a child declare their refusal is not my experience and is IMO wrong(and is coercion) when you know they have sent in a refusal.

 

[nugov2]

In addition to being legally bound to give every one of our high school students a test book (they can refuse to fill in any answers), I had to sign a PARCC Security Agreement, a legal document saying I would not read the test and/or discuss the content of it. All materials had to be counted, recounted and signed. Booklets of kids who refused to test had to be turned in separately and marked as such. I just follow the law as it is written and then I can get back to what I do best...teaching my students! We are a highly respected Chicago Suburban high school and followed the law to the letter!

I think testing in HS may be dealt with much differently than in elementary. That is my experience in elementary, I cannot speak to the procedures in HS.

 

[castleview]

A lot of people are refusing here, but I'm quite sure they won't be posting the refusal rate as they don't want to make it known. We had quite a few superintendents try and say opting out wasn't an option, which was wrong. I've got one taking them (her choice - high school) and two not taking them. Our system created a bureaucratic chain of command to opt out as a defense mechanism but plenty of parents still opted out.

We are doing the SBAC tests and had a terrible rollout of material that aligns with it. My guess is the PARCC tests are easier from what everyone is saying.

 

[aprilgail]

Are they violating his IEP? What are you doing about it if they are. Again where is the classroom teacher while there class is being tested? This whole thing makes no sense. When my dd in 4th grade is taking a test her teacher is the one who is the Proctor not the resource teacher. It makes no sense a resource would have to fill in as proctor. There are other ways to schedule the testing so that doesn't happen.

In our school there are many kids that have to get pulled out of the regular testing room to be in a "quiet room" to take the test without other distractions around them (according to their IEP's)- so every teacher is proctoring an exam someplace, every room in the school is used to pull these kids out to test. Gym teachers are proctors, art teachers etc- and many subs are also brought in!

 

[nugov2]

In our school there are many kids that have to get pulled out of the regular testing room to be in a "quiet room" to take the test without other distractions around them (according to their IEP's)- so every teacher is proctoring an exam someplace, every room in the school is used to pull these kids out to test. Gym teachers are proctors, art teachers etc- and many subs are also brought in!

Right, but they take one section a day that is approx 70 minutes. Our school has a two day break for a class after each test. How are they spending entire days where every person is a proctor all day? Is this elementary and if so how many classes testing? We had paras who worked with the kids on IEP'S in addition to the resource, but it never interfered with vital services.. Maybe our staff is much larger, but with smart scheduling I don't see how a resource teacher would spend her entire day testing students.

 

[Tinijocaro]

Here is a word that was on the 8th grade exam today, which includes ELL (English Language Learners). Are you ready for this? Bowdlerize. Let me repeat: Bowdlerize. Haver ANY of you EVER heard of that word? Imagine if English wasn't your first language and you were being tested on that word.

Here's the definition. Bowdlerize - To expurgate in a prudish manner - after Thomas Bowdler (an English editor) who often expurgated! OK now for Expurgate - to amend by removing objectionable or offensive matter, especially from a book!

I am a very well-read 50 year old teacher with a master's degree, you would think I would have come across this word many times since it is on a high stakes ELA exam.

Is anyone else comfortable with this word being on this test?

 

[sam_gordon]

Is anyone else comfortable with this word being on this test?

Was the word used in a story? Was there enough information for a student to figure out a meaning?
Did they have to select the correct definition?
How was it used?

And I'm confused. I thought teachers weren't allowed to see the tests.

 

[Kbee]

Here is a word that was on the 8th grade exam today, which includes ELL (English Language Learners). Are you ready for this? Bowdlerize. Let me repeat: Bowdlerize. Haver ANY of you EVER heard of that word? Imagine if English wasn't your first language and you were being tested on that word.

Here's the definition. Bowdlerize - To expurgate in a prudish manner - after Thomas Bowdler (an English editor) who often expurgated! OK now for Expurgate - to amend by removing objectionable or offensive matter, especially from a book!

I am a very well-read 50 year old teacher with a master's degree, you would think I would have come across this word many times since it is on a high stakes ELA exam.

Is anyone else comfortable with this word being on this test?

I'm comfortable with words a student may not know being on these tests. It all depends what is asked of them, were thy being asked to just define the word, were they being asked about context clues?
I'd really have to read the passage, or whatever the word was used in to answer you.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I don't how who posted this word from the 8th grade test or how they had access to it but I guess as long as contextual clues were in place, it is fair to use a new word. I still feel it would be very difficult for ELL student. Not even sure if it was in a reading passage or not. I still think they went a bit far with this one.

 

[Kbee]

I don't how who posted this word from the 8th grade test or how they had access to it but I guess as long as contextual clues were in place, it is fair to use a new word. I still feel it would be very difficult for ELL student. Not even sure if it was in a reading passage or not. I still think they went a bit far with this one.

Not being snarky, but if you have no idea how the word was used, or what was asked of the student about the word (if anything) how can you think they went a bit too far?

 

[nugov2]

I don't how who posted this word from the 8th grade test or how they had access to it but I guess as long as contextual clues were in place, it is fair to use a new word. I still feel it would be very difficult for ELL student. Not even sure if it was in a reading passage or not. I still think they went a bit far with this one.

Another thing to remember is that there is going to be a percentage of questions the majority won't know. The tests are written that way on purpose.

As others have said as a question where a child is supposed to be using context clues that is an acceptable question. It is also another example of exaggerating to push an agenda. Why is this teacher posting that information. To get everyone all riled up and like has already been stated is most likely a legitimate question, but when taken out of context and posted on a Facebook group of already riled up people it is just fuel to the fire. It is that type of behavior I find extremely unprofessional. Another example of why it is hard to believe / support the complaints.

 

[Colleen27]

Testing just started here and I'm having a devil of a time pinning down even the roughest opt-out numbers. It seems like anyone who knows is being told not to say, but maybe I'm being cynical because I'm so used to asking about more positive things going on at the schools and have come to expect a certain degree of friendliness/cooperation. I'm going to be spending my day tomorrow trying to get some numbers for our area. Wish me luck!