The Opt Out Movement Gains Ground

Over the past two years many schools and districts across the US have had growing numbers of parents removing their students from school or refusing permission to allow them to take standardized tests. Regardless of the threatened consequences, the numbers show a story of a movement building quickly and getting more national attention. Back in May 2015 the New York Times showcased districts across the state and how the numbers have increased tremendously over the past three years of data.

In August 2015 we found out that more than 200,000 students in 3-8 grades sat out of the standardized tests of this year with over 20% of all those eligible to be tested opting out. 

In Pennsylvania, where I grew up, the numbers are smaller but growing quickly. The PSSA test opt outs tripled in both Math and English language arts between 2014 to 2015. While the movement grew slowly at first, it is picking up speed.

Unfortunately, the new Education Commissioner of New York State, MaryEllen Elia, has been quoted as saying teachers who support the opt-out movement are "unethical." I find that accusation unfortunate, spurious, and demonstrating a lack of knowledge of what is going on in the classroom of teachers across the country. I would hope that she would eventually take a look at a simply part of the Change the Stakes organization website explaining 8 Reasons to Opt Out.

This growing movement will not stop and despite threats from political leaders, with enough support (which we seem to have) educators may finally be able to change the current situation in education to one we (and parents) know will support our students move.