Category: Opting Out

More beans... #TrashTNReady

3/15/2016

Our blog last week about "Spilling the Beans" caused what some might call a "bean explosion." Teachers and parents have been contacting us all weekend confirming what we had written about TNReady and also telling us even more horrible stuff about TNReady. In keeping with the bean theme, we shall serve up another helping of anonymous spilled beans. Please read, share with your friends, get tootin' mad, and then do something about it!

from a teacher who gave the test:

Momma bears, I just read your post which highlighted anonymous teacher and parent comments, and I felt relieved. Please find a way to add this complaint to your great list:

We are not supposed to look at the test (LOL since we constantly circulate and are told to ensure students are taking it correctly), and this is extremely ridiculous: on the ELA part 1 essay, the students had several pages of texts to read before they saw the prompt. The wording was so vague at the beginning that several had no idea what they were doing. They asked what they were supposed to do, and I couldn't even tell them that the prompt was at the very end. In my opinion, this is intellectual bullying. A 4th or 5th or 6th grade student should not have to read so much before they have a clue what to do with it. Simply stating the prompt at the beginning would give them a needed purpose for the arduous reading, and it would allow them to write to the prompt. Many, I think, wrote about each text before they ever knew the actual "writing task", which is a big shift in terminology. If we want to see how well our students can WRITE, why not put the "task" at the beginning? Why not set them up for success while still getting an accurate picture of their ability to write about the texts? Test taking savvyness shouldn't be a measure. RIDICULOUS. INTELLECTUAL BULLYING!

from a teacher who followed what the state told them to teach:

I have 5th grade and we took the ELA tests. There were THREE passages for the kids to read for their first essay. The TN Blueprint, once again, has it wrong. It clearly states that kids in grades 3-5 will only read TWO passages. We never practiced with 3.

from a middle school teacher:

Sorry but out of fear for our jobs, we (the teachers) cannot disclose our names. We've been threatened not to speak or post anything on FB. The middle school test did NOT match what we were instructed to teach our kids. They were to write an argumentative essay & that was NOT even given on either of the Part 1 or Part 2 test. How can our students trust us when we tell them that this is what we're preparing them for then they're tested on a narrative? Really, a narrative??? We're told that we must teach rigor. Making up a story is rigorous?

from a high school teacher:

The high school Algebra II test was ridiculous. My students said the majority of the test was constructed response and they had no idea where to begin or what the questions were asking. I would love to show my classes your "For Students" page, but I'm afraid I'd really get in trouble.

from an observant teacher:

1. ELA computer tests showed the reading selections simultaneously on the same screen as the writing prompt. On the written test, the writing prompt came after the reading selections so that students, who have been trained to read questions and prompts first (as deemed best teaching practices by various research-based professional development sessions offered by local and state entities), were confused on what was being asked of them. Having proctored more than one grade-level, I was asked by nearly every student tested, "What do they want me to do?" I had to flip to the page containing the prompt, and tell then to read it first.

2. Because there were so many questions concerning the prompts, I was able to notice that one test asked kids to "write a magazine article" in response to the reading. Every single practice question on the MICA and MIST sites asked students to write an essay.

3. Rather than read literature and analyze it, our kids are being asked to analyze concepts that they may have, or may not have, been exposed to in life. They are given anywhere from one to three pieces of writing related to the concept, and they are having to draw from those pieces. Students from certain backgrounds, who have not been exposed to these concepts, would have to basically write the entirety of their essays by paraphrasing the articles. Sure, some may be able to "bs" their way through it, but most would not do well with formulating an essay that required some outside knowledge of a concept coupled with the reading selections to compose a well-written, well-thought out essay. What 7th grader is going to know or understand the "Value of Cooperative Play" unless he/she has been reading parenting magazines in his/her spare time? The reason I am even aware that this was part of a prompt is because most testers asked me the meaning of it. Even with the reading selections given for this prompt, some prior knowledge of the concept would have to have been given for a child to create well-thought out responses

from a Veteran teacher:

I am a 35 year veteran teacher. I have been a level 5 teacher for years, and will now see my level and the level of my students possibly plummet. I urge you to go on the site for state standards and look at the massive amount of standards we must cover by February. The social studies standards are pages and pages of info that must be taught by testing dates in February. I do not know many parents, legislators, or teachers that could master a test over these standards.

from a middle-school librarian:

I'm a middle school librarian. Our ELA teachers said that they were told repeatedly during summer trainings by the state that there would be no narrative essays, so they didn't practice those with their students. In two separate testing settings, students asked out loud, what's a narrative? The teachers DID NOT look at the test. They only way they knew was because the students were distraught and were panicking.

from a scared, broken-hearted teacher who was surprised to see a SURVEY on the test:

I am a teacher whose district started testing this past week. After the group of students I tested where through with Math, I administered the survey. I was very upset by the last question. It basically stated:

How did you find this test?
A. Harder than the math tests I take at my school.
B. Easier than the math tests I take at school.
C. About the same as the math tests I take at my school.
D. It is difficult for me to answer because it was harder than the math tests at my school.

This leads me to believe that the state is preparing to blame the schools for not preparing the students properly, which is inaccurate.

The look of defeat on the students faces broke my heart and almost made me cry (I had to look away several times so I wouldn't cry). I was doing my best to reassure them, but I could tell it didn't work. The fact that we have two more days of testing left and then another testing period in April is disheartening. The fact that the State said part 1 counts 20% and part 2 counts 80% of the students grade is just wrong, especially after saying it wouldn't count.
When is enough enough?

***Please do not use my name, I do love to teach and work with my students, but I fear using my name could affect me negatively.

from another observant teacher who also wondered about surveys on the tests:

I was surprised to see survey questions on these tests. I thought parents had to be notified before students could be given surveys? The questions asked students about their writing habits, their opinions about the TNReady test, and about their school. Don't parents have to give permission before students are given surveys? Where is all that information going?

Response from Momma Bears: Yes, dear teacher, you are correct. Tenn. Code Annotated 49-2-211 says this:

This law is pretty clear: parents or legal guardians shall have access to review all surveys PRIOR to being administered to the child. AND parents have the right to opt their student out of participating in a survey. AND section (c) says the district should disclose the purpose of the survey and who gets the data. Is your district breaking the law? Or is the Tennessee Department of Education breaking the law??? Hmmm... Might be worth a persuing legal action?

from a 3rd grade teacher willing to lose her job:

The TNReady test is so far from acceptable that I may just have to lose my job. My class took the TNReady test on Monday before the computers crashed. The computers were working fine, but the test was awful. My students were having meltdowns. One of my straight-A students was hitting himself in the head, pulling his hair, crying, and saying "this is too hard!" I couldn't help but look at the test. I am horrified. I am broken-hearted.

There was only 1 question on this third grade Social Studies TNReady test, and it was to write an essay. They had to tab between two different reading passages, and write an essay (with their little fingers hunting and pecking for letters on the keyboard because they don't know how to type yet, nor are their hands big enough to type properly), and they had to be sure to cite evidence from the text (that means "copy" to third graders). But the material was about the Oregon Trail, which is a fourth grade standard!!! Third grade Social Studies standards cover world geography, not the settlement of America! The Westward Expansion isn't covered until 4th grade (TN Social Studies Standard 4.48). You can look at the standards yourself and see:
Third grade standards: https://tn.gov/assets/entities/education/attachments/std_ss_gr_3.pdf
Fourth grade standards: https://tn.gov/assets/entities/education/attachments/std_ss_gr_4.pdf

My students had no idea what the Oregon Trail was. They had no clue what old-fashioned words like "lo" meant, especially the students who speak English as a second language. Even worse, the standard to read and compare a primary and secondary source is a SIXTH grade standard, not a third grade one! This was the very first question on the TNReady Part I Social Studies test and my students all felt like failures.

Even worse, the system apparently crashed, but we weren't notified about it until after our testing time was completed. So, my broken-hearted students had to take the same test AGAIN this week! It was on paper and pencil, this time, but it was the exact same passages and essay question they had on the first computer test. How fair is that to other students?

from a silenced, bullied teacher:

On my personal Facebook page, I posted a link about Representative Stewart opting his child out of the test. My principal told me I should not state my opinion on social media.

from a grateful teacher:

Thank you for speaking the truth about this awful testing. I am an elementary school teacher and your blog is talked about frequently in my school. You are saying so many things that teachers are afraid to say for fear of losing their jobs. Please keep up the good fight. I am willing to speak anonymously.

Momma Bears, here, again...

Readers, you should realize that teachers are risking their jobs telling us all this. Before they administered the test, teachers and proctors had to sign an agreement saying they wouldn't look at the test or talk about it. There's even a law about it:

Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) 49-1-607 states: Any person found to have not followed security guidelines for administration of the TCAP test, or successor test, including making or distributing unauthorized copies of the test, altering a grade or answer sheet, providing copies of answers or test questions, or otherwise compromising the integrity of the testing process, shall be placed on immediate suspension, and such actions will be grounds for dismissal, including dismissal of tenured employees. Such actions shall be grounds for revocation of state license. [Acts 1992, ch. 535, 4.]

Are teachers "compromising the integrity of the test"? Well, Momma Bears question if the test has any "integrity" to compromise in the first place!!! This test is full of flaws, makes children cry, and has no value in helping our children or schools. Results, which are projected to be much lower than past TCAP tests, aren't even supposed to be back until the fall when students are well into the next grade level!

Honestly, these teachers should be called heroes!
These courageous teachers are whistle-blowers, speaking truth about an injustice affecting innocent children who are powerless to do anything about it.

We are grateful to a news station in Nashville for covering TNReady Opt-Outs. And we're ecstatic about this news coverage of a school in Chattanooga that had 41% of parents opt their kids out of TNReady! Parents are coming to realize that these tests are far too secretive, and far too powerful. Parents must do something about it because teachers can't.

We Momma Bears never signed any confidentiality agreement, and you can't take away our parenting licenses, so we will continue to expose this harmful, abusive testing for the monster that it is. We will keep informing and empowering people to do something about it:

Want to refuse the tests for your children?
  Click HERE for step-by-step instructions.

Want to do something about it?
Contact Governor Haslam.
Twitter: @BillHaslam
    Email: bill.haslam@tn.gov
Phone: (615) 741-2001
(And click HERE to find your legislators to contact them, too!)

Be sure to follow Momma Bears on Facebook and Twitter:

Know your testing rights, parents

2/16/2016

Parents in some districts who are refusing the TNReady test for their child are being told that their child must sit and stare at the test during the entire testing time. That's a very long time to expect students to sit quietly, and it is also wrong. Your district is violating what the TN Department of Education (TDOE) has declared in its own testing documentation.

The TDOE clearly states that students may read a book or do an alternate activity not related to the subject being tested. Here, we'll copy that part for you:

If you are being told that your child must sit and stare, click HERE to download the official document from the TDOE (specifically see p.3 #10). Send that document to your child's teacher, principal, district testing coordinator, school board members, Superintendent, etc. Tell them you expect your child to be able to "read or do other quiet activities not related to the content area being tested."

This method has worked like a charm for parents so far. In fact, we are reading social media posts from parents in Hamilton County who report that one school has over 140 students opting-out! Students at that school whose parents refused the testing will be moved to another room to do another activity instead of test.

Hamilton County has some strong principals who are opposed to the TNReady testing use. In fact, the Hamilton County Principals's Association passed a Resolution stating that Part I of TNReady should be eliminated this school year and also that the scores from this year's testing should not be used for student grades, teacher evaluations, or accountability purposes. Go, Hamilton County Principals! We hope other districts read this and take action, too!

It is that time of year again...

8/11/2015

Back to school... If you're like most parents, you have lists of things to do: Register kids for school, buy school supplies, get new school clothes, etc. Well, there's one more important thing to add to your list: Your Test Refusal Letter.

Of course, this is a personal decision, and every family's circumstances are unique. But if you do want to refuse testing, you need to put it in writing and let your school know. Standardized testing will start soon, if it hasn't already.

If you had a refusal letter last year, just print out a new copy and send it in to your child's new teacher. If you don't have one, a great place to start is at www.unitedoptout.com where you'll find State Opt-Out Guides, Sample Templates, and even a Get Tough Guide in case you get pushback.

Here are some Opt-Out / Refusal Letters we found on the internet you are welcome to use:

To whom it may concern:

I would like to begin this letter by expressing my gratitude to the staff of _______________________ ______________________________School. They have successfully created a positive and welcoming environment that allows students to learn and thrive. I have been very pleased with all of the efforts made by staff members to create an optimal educational environment.

The purpose of this letter is to officially inform you that I am refusing to have my child(ren), _____________________________________, participate in any and all tests designed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Next Generation Assessments, Pearson, or any other state or national assessment equivalent in nature for the 2015- 2016 school year.

I feel very strongly that being forced to take these tests will negatively affect my child(ren) emotionally, psychologically, and possibly even physically. I have been advised that my concerns meet the criteria for honoring my request under the 14th amendment of the Constitution, which protects my right to direct the upbringing and education of my child(ren). This right has been broadly protected by the Supreme Court since 1923.

Here are research-based reasons why I do not want my child(ren) to participate in high stakes testing:

Multiple-choice tests & short-answer tests are poor, unfair measures of student achievement, particularly of the ability to understand and use complex material, or of creativity in any field.
Test scores are not reliable. A person’s score may vary from day to day due to testing conditions or the test-taker’s mental or emotional state.
Standardized tests are not objective. Decisions about what to include, how questions are worded, which answers are “correct,” and the uses of results are all made by subjective humans.
High stakes tests cause the curriculum to be narrowed to just what is on the test, and educational quality suffers as subjects like art, music, & phys. ed are reduced or eliminated.
Tests do not reflect current knowledge and research that we have about learning. Tests are based on outdated assumptions that do not match the research we have about how students learn.
Students of color, second-language learners, and students with disabilities have been disproportionately negatively impacted by the high stakes testing culture which has fueled the school-to-prison pipeline, making it more likely that these students will become incarcerated.
There are established and researched ways to evaluate achievement and ability that are MUCH BETTER, such as teacher observation and documentation of student work and performance over time by classroom teachers. (From http://refuseofcuyahogacounty.webstarts.com/ & fairtest.org)

Using student test scores to evaluate teachers and staff is wrong. It is unfair and creates a high-stakes environment.

During the scheduled testing times, I request that my child(ren) be allowed to participate in an academically beneficial alternative activity. I feel that silent reading, art, catching up on class work, or getting ahead on homework would be a positive use of that time. If for some reason this is not possible, I will make other arrangements for my child(ren) during testing.

Please provide a timely written response acknowledging the receipt of this letter, as well as confirmation that blame or consequences will not be placed upon my child(ren) by any staff members in the school or district for not taking these tests.

Thank you for your cooperation and consideration. If there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Just kidding! Don't really use this one, or at least change the 4 letter word to "poop" if you do.

There are a TON of opt-out letters on the internet. There is even an Opt-Out Conference in February in Philadelphia. The Opt-Out movement is growing and won't stop until the abusive, excessive, and unnecessary standardized testing that puts profit over children's best interest is stopped. Join the movement and make a difference!

PS - Have you signed and shared the petition calling for Testing Transparency in Tennessee, yet? It is a super-easy to have your voice heard!

Mc Queen's children too Blessed to be TN READY

5/21/2015

Tennessee Ready?

TCAP scores are coming in and we're hearing lots of good reports. But are Tennessee's school children up for the challenge of the new Tennessee Ready tests next year?

State Education Commissioner, Candice McQueen showed up this week in Shelby County pledging to personally meet with ten thousand teachers across the state. It was all part of a campaign to win public appeal for next year's "new and improved" TCAP tests called Tennessee Ready. Along with the Tennessee Ready Tour, McQueen has been nailing the inboxes of Tennessee teachers with emails all week long. And she has recently released a video message (see below) that pounds in the praises for Tennessee Ready standards and standardized tests.

The video begins with McQueen thanking and congratulating Tennessee teachers for all their dedication and hard work this year. Then, she tells those hard working teachers that she hopes they will spend their summer break "re-charging and re-energizing their efforts." No relaxation for teachers this summer, they have to prepare for the "new possibilities" next year.

We have a pretty good idea of what kind of possibilities this longtime common core cheerleader has in mind.

Although, McQueen carefully avoids "common core" in her message, she doesn't fool us. She describes Tennessee Ready using terms like "high standards" and "real world skills." She goes on to say that the new reading, writing, and math tests are "designed to assess what is currently being taught in Tennessee’s classrooms." Yeah, we know what that means---common core assessments. And if plays out like New York, we can expect a huge revolt from parents who are opting their kids out of what they call unfair, political, common core assessments.

Teachers, we're wishing you a happy summer! Thank you for your incredible work this year. Listen in as Commissioner McQueen shares a closing message and some important updates about preparing for next year.
Posted by Tennessee Department of Education on Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Hey, it's Throwback Thursday

Speaking of common core assessments, we thought Throwback Thursday would be a good time to bring up McQueen's past comments on the topic. She might be a big fan of Tennessee Ready but not too long ago, she was quite adamant that her own children and their classmates at Lipscomb Academy would not be subjected to common core or the assessments that go along with it.

A few years ago, McQueen left her position in the college of Education at Lipcomb University to head up Lipscomb Academy, a small private school in Nashville located on the college's campus. When she was named senior vice president, immediately, her fellow parents at the school began to express skepticism of her leadership. Concerns were raised that McQueen, who was deeply entrenched in the money making of common core, would sell out Lipscomb Academy.

McQueen assured parents in a letter that common core would not infiltrate the hallowed halls of Lipscomb Academy. She dismissed any claims of hypocrisy by clarifying that private school students are to be treated differently than public school kids. Evidently, she feels that those children who attend private school are just too blessed to be stressed over common core. "One of the blessings of being in the private schools sector is the opportunity to explore all possibilities within the community and culture in which you find yourself and to thoughtfully choose what fits your vision."

An excerpt of McQueen's letter is below:

"First, the Common Core State Standards have not been adopted by Lipscomb Academy. While the standards have been adopted by the state of Tennessee along with 44 other states, private schools have the freedom to determine if they will use all, some or none of the CCSS. To date, Lipscomb Academy administrators have not adopted the standards...Second, I have also not been in any discussions about formal adoption of the CCSS at Lipscomb Academy. Currently, Lipscomb Academy draws from a variety of quality national and state standards selected by the school leadership and faculty to set a vision for what content, instruction and curriculum will be used at each grade level. This has proven to be effective; thus, I don’t anticipate any changes to this process now or in the future. As is current practice, all standards available will be reviewed at set intervals by leadership and faculty to determine the direction of Lipscomb Academy."

McQueen also gave assurances that Lipscomb Academy students would not be subjected to any of those public school tests such as PARCC or TCAP. Instead, McQueen's letter (excerpt below) promised that Lipscomb Academy students would continue to be assessed using ERB tests.

[S]ome of you have voiced concerns that the academy will adopt the PARCC test that will soon replace the current Tennessee standardized test or TCAP. Lipscomb Academy uses the ERB test, not the TCAP, and there are no plans to replace the ERB test with PARCC.

Comparing the Assessments: PARCC, Tennessee Ready & ERB

So, if private school kids don't have to be TN Ready, what kind of assessments do they take? And how do those assessments compare with the common core tests that will be given to public school children next year?

Take a look below at sample questions at the private school ERB test compared with PARCC and Tennessee Ready. We just pulled some questions at random but you can click the links and see the full sample tests.

Sample 5th Grade Math Question from the PARCC Assessment: 
NOTE: Grades 3-5: No calculators allowed, except for students with an approved calculator accommodation

Tennessee Ready Sample Math Question:
NOTE: TNReady will ask students to solve multi-step problems, many without using a calculator, to show what they know.

Sample Question from the ERB Level 4-6 Mathematics Demonstration Test:
NOTE: Calculators are allowed on one section of the multiple-choice achievement tests.

Testing the TDOE Bullies

4/20/2015

The testing season is upon us. This month, Tennessee Students in grades 3-8 will take the TCAP (Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program). Parents have been well-aware of this for months. Homework is now all TCAP practice. Field trip participation and carnival rewards are based on participation in test prep. Classroom walls are either covered with plain paper or stripped bare to prepare for the TCAP, which makes the schools look more like prisons. Schools are even hosting TCAP pep rallies. There is little doubt the stakes are high and the anxiety is higher. It is just “All About that Test”.

Read the entire beautiful REFUSAL LETTER HERE. It might give some Momma and Papa bears some ideas about how to get their kids out of testing. Use it. Share it. Go for it!

Around the country the Opt -Out movement is growing. Dr. Mark Naison, a professor at Fordham University, compiled an excellent list on reasons why parents are rebelling over these tests:

There are too many tests.
The tests are too long.
The tests are poorly designed and poorly written.
The tests are surrounded by a level of secrecy usually reserved for a nuclear arsenal.
The tests are never returned to students and teachers to inform instruction.
The tests are used to rate teachers, schools and whole school districts, purposes for which they were never intended.
The tests are made by profit making companies who give huge contributions to legislators and perks to policy making bodies.
The tests are used to justify the implementation of a National Curriculum- the Common Core- whose advocates claim it is neither national or a curriculum.
The tests are incredibly expensive and take money away from the arts, counseling, and libraries.
The tests are discriminatory in the manner they are applied to Special Needs and ELL Students.
The high stakes attached to the tests have forced schools in high poverty districts to use recess and gym for test prep.
The tests have been used as an excuse for closing thousands of schools and firing tens of thousands of teachers, many of them teachers of color.

Tennessee is no exception. Parents are asking how they can get their child out of testing. Today UnitedOptOut.com posted a TN refusal letter. It might help Tennessee parents who wish to refuse the tests for their children.

On the UnitedOptOut website, there is also a link to a Letter to Directors of Schools in Tennessee Regarding Opt Out/Refusal that Momma Bears think is an attempt to bully parents and take away parental rights. Your kids are data points to them. The Refusal letter is interesting. It cites TN code - TCA 49-2-211(a) states that, “Every LEA shall develop a policy setting forth the rights of parents and students as guidelines for teachers and principals with respect to the administration of surveys, analyses or evaluations of students.” Section (b)(1) of this law states that, “[t]he policy shall enable a parent or legal guardian to opt their student out of participating in a survey, analysis, or evaluation.” (Note that there are no definitions of “survey,” “analysis,” or “evaluation” in this statute.)

Momma Bears would love to see this stand up as lawful. What else could TCAP be besides an evaluation? Teachers don’t ever see the answers. There is nothing diagnostic to help a child improve upon what they do not know. These tests are used to “evaluate teachers and schools” in order to manipulate government policy. So we’d say they ARE a definitely an evaluation.

Momma Bears also loves the use of the Attorney General's opinion that claimed former Commissioner Huffman was within the law to waive the TCAP for grades. “While state law requires that TCAP scores make up 15%-25% of a child’s final semester grades, our former Commissioner of Education waived this requirement in 2014. Despite TCA 49-1-201(d)(1), this was allowed. The Attorney General opinion dated July 2, 2014 stated that “the requirements of Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-617…can be waived; they are not statutory requirements related to “federal and state student assessment and accountability” under Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-201(d)(1)(J).”

The ending to the letter says, "Because it appears that I have the legal right to opt my child out of the TCAP evaluation, and the law requiring the use of TCAP scores in grades seems to be subjectively disposable, my child’s TCAP scores (or lack thereof) will not be factored into his/her grades. In summary, I respectfully request that you respond, in writing, confirming that you will abide by my expectations set forth in this letter. You may contact me in writing if you have any questions. ” Smart! Get it in writing. It is a good idea to keep detailed notes and written evidence. You never know when it might come in handy in court. Hopefully, it won't come to that, but if the TDOE keeps bullying parents, we may just have to file a lawsuit.

Not to change the subject, but some good things happened today in Nashville!
Today at the Tennessee Legislature, Representative Matthew Hill added a surprise amendment to a bill that would make Opting-Out legal. This amendment caused the folks at the Governor's astroturf organization, Tennesseans For Student Success, to royally freak out (since their well-funded jobs exist to save Common Core and testing). It was a beautiful amendment that Representative Hill did, simply stating "parents or legal guardians of students enrolled in an LEA may opt the student out of participating in all state mandated assessments." Unfortunately, Representative Hill withdrew it because it didn't fit with the caption bill it was attached to, but it did give him the opportunity to speak to the other legislators about Opting Out. There may be another bill coming up that is a better fit and might not be declared unconstitutional to attach it to, but with only two or three days left in the session, it probably will not happen until January. 2-4-6-8, who do we appreciate? Representative Matthew Hill!!!

Also on that bill, some amendments were attached by Representative Spivey that set in motion the death of Common Core. The bill passed the House 97 to 0 and is scheduled to be in the Senate tomorrow. Is it a smoke-and-mirrors attempt at keeping the Common Core? Perhaps. Time will tell. The language is pretty clear that the new standards will be created in a clear and transparent manner, and that the former standards (which are Common Core) will be rescinded. The Senate has been pretty much in love with all things that harm public education, so we'll see how the vote tomorrow goes.

Okay, now, back to the testing issue...
Refusing testing is a civil protest. And our lawmakers really need to understand that this is what happens when a government service, managed by the democratic process around tax dollars, is held captive by testing, sold off to privatization, and is manipulated by lobbyists and foundations un-elected by the citizens of this country. Public school is a public good, for the public. This manipulation through testing has ZERO to do with our children or education experts. It must stop. Opt-out and/or refusing is our only choice to show this bad policy must stop. For our kids.

"Parents are getting more and more angry and disobedient. Public officials are really trying to bully them, and never expected this much pushback." - Dr. Sandra Stotsky

What can little ol' me do about the big ol' tests?

4/29/2014

Parents, are you frustrated, concerned, or feeling helpless over your child having to take high stakes standardized tests? Does your heart break for your child because your he/she has anxiety, stress, trouble sleeping, strange stomach aches, headaches, or even vomiting around TCAP time?

You are not alone.
And your child isn't the only one.

Standardized testing never used to be this way when we were growing up, did it?
We took the test and then went to out to play at recess and our school day went on as normal. There was no pressure or repercussions if you missed questions. No big deal. The teachers simply said that they wanted to see all you had learned and to do your best. There were no TCAP pep rallies, TCAP songs, TCAP t-shirts, pajama days, candy given as bribes on testing days, or videos made by desperate teachers to inspire kids to Zap the TCAP. Kids took the tests. Life went on.

That changed a few years ago in TN. Big time.
Test scores were put on a pedestal. The test scores of your children now prove the worth of their teacher. Student test scores are a huge percentage of every teacher's evaluation rating in TN, varying by district. Yes, we know it isn't fair. Yes, we know that some teachers don't even teach subjects that are on the standardized test--subjects like music, art, PE, library, electives, etc.. These teachers are unfairly forced to use the school's overall English or Math score for their percentage. Yes, and we know the teachers are incredibly stressed about it, too.

The other big change that happened a few years ago is that it became mandatory in TN that the TCAP count as 15%-25% of each child's report card grade. Yes, we know it isn't fair. Yes, we know teachers and parents never even get to see the tests or the questions on it. Yes, we know these companies are making a fortune selling these tests to our state with our tax dollars. No, we don't know if the TCAP test questions are legitimately fair or even if the answers are correct. We've heard rumors from teachers that even they can't figure out some of the answers because the questions and answer choices are so confusing, but nobody can prove it because nobody is allowed to see the test. In fact, teachers must sign an agreement to not discuss the tests. Teachers have told us Momma Bears that they have been forbidden by their administrators to post any comments relating to the TCAP or PARCC test on Facebook or social media. Things have gotten so bad that even students are told they aren't supposed to talk about the test questions, not even to their parents. (You don't tell kids not to tell their parents. That is WRONG. Unless you're throwing us a surprise party. Then it is okay.)

This is overwhelming... What can an ordinary parent do about it?
Contrary to popular belief, ordinary parents are the most powerful forces on the planet. It is true. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they work together, especially when they are Momma or Poppa or Grandparent Bears! Being a SUPER MOM is really quite easy. Here are the easy-to-follow steps:

Steps to saving the world:

Put on your superhero uniform (cape & tights are optional) and harness the power of your words as a parent.
Take a deep breath and blow off some steam. Let your words flow like Spiderman's web from his hands. You can do this. Write down everything that bothers you and your children about these stupid tests. Use curse words if you feel so inclined. The point is to get it out of your system.
Take a break. Go hug your kids. Peek on them if they are asleep and smell their sweet, sleepy heads. Children are such a blessing, and they're only yours for such a short time before they're grown up. Cherish it.
After you've cooled your jets and your head is clear, sit back down and look at the verbal vomit you spewed. It is probably pretty offensive and you need to clean it up. So, put on your thinking cap and turn those words into magic. You can do it. First, delete the curse words. Then, take out at least half of the exclamation points. There's no need for paragraphs to be written in all capitalized letters. Whittle down your message into a sane, cohesive letter or email. You're going to send this to some people who CAN make a difference, so make it polite and polished. If there are red squiggly lines popping up under words you typed, make sure they are spelled correctly and/or are the correct use of the word. You'll sound much smarter if you fix those errors. The red squiggly line is your friend.
You can't just complain without offering a solution. So, in closing your correspondence, write what you want to see happen with regards to testing. Here are some options:
Eliminate it.
Don't tie it to teacher evaluations.
Don't tie it to student report cards.
Spend the testing money on more teachers instead of tests.
Allow parents to Refuse or Opt-Out of testing for their child without penalizing their child's grade or their teacher.
Get rid of Common Core.
Good idea: Let your letter stew for 24 hours just to make sure you included everything you wanted to say.
Optional: Show it to others to get their feedback.
Read it one more time. If you think to yourself, "It is perfect. I wouldn't change a thing!," then make a wish or say a prayer and then send it!
Wait. Who do you send it to? There are a bunch of important people who need to read it, so Momma Bears suggests sending it to them all. Here is how to find the important people:
Google your school district to find out your Superintendent and School Board member's email addresses. Send your masterpiece to them. They need to know that parents are not happy. (If you're lucky, they will reply to your email in a few days and will probably say it is the State's fault. See #11 for a big fat dose of irony.)
Legislators are very important people who make the laws that got us in to this testing mess. They definitely need to hear from real parents. Click HERE to find your TN legislators that live in your district. Be sure to tell them you are in their district; this matters a lot since they need your vote. (If you're lucky, they will respond to your email in a few days and probably say it is your local School Board's fault. LOL. Notice a big fat problem with finger pointing?)
Gosh, since you've put so much work into it, you might as well send it to all the legislators. It may take you awhile to copy & paste their email addresses, and you may want to do it in small batches (send to no more than 25 email addresses per email) so that your email service doesn't think you are spamming.
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/senate/members/
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/
The Governor needs to see your masterpiece, too. Who knows... It might be the key that melts his stone-cold heart. His email is: bill.haslam@tn.gov
Who else needs to hear it? Teachers? Principals? Newspapers will publish letters to the editor! Go for it!!!
These are YOUR kids you are advocating for. If EVERY parent spoke up, we could make a huge difference. Don't rely on someone else to do it for you. Don't rely on your elected officials or your school's PTA. YOUR voice is important... Use it!

Your school district won't tell you this, but you also have the right to refuse these tests for your children. They are YOUR children, not the government's. If you want to know more about it, or meet other parents who have bravely gone down this opting out route before you, here are some links to real parents in Tennessee and across the country: Stop the Tennessee Testing Madness website, Stop the TN Testing Madness Facebook page, Stop the TN Testing Madness Facebook group, United Opt Out Website (National group), United Opt Out Facebook group.

(Don't try this at home. Biting your computer is never a good idea)

A Creepy test --- PARCC

2/26/2014

Someone sent this video to Momma Bears and it freaked us out. We transcribed the video for you below.

Feb. 5, 2014 - Dr. Peg Luksik explains how Common Core testing can embed questions that result in behavior change without protest from the children. Poughkeepsie, New York

Question from a Mom in the audience:
"I'm trying to understand because I thought that PARCC and the Smarter Balance, with both, it sounds like as the student is taking it, the test will actually modify itself to how the student is doing? And when the test results comes back, that would be to the benefit of the student? So why is it then that the teachers don't like it if it is self-paced? Wouldn't you think that would be wonderful?"

Dr. Peg Luksik's response (as transcribed by a fast-typing Momma Bear):

"The problem isn't that it is self-paced, the problem is that the test is open to manipulation."

So if I wanted to look like the students are doing poorly, I can adapt it to make the test harder. If I wanted to make it look like the students are doing well, it can be adapted to make the test easier. And you, as parents, or taxpayers, or policy-setters, will never know which way the test was adapted because it is an internal mechanism so it is not a valid assessment, and that is the fundamental problem with it. The test is being manipulated as the test is being taken. In other cases, when you're not in math but some of the other areas, history or where it is more philosophy-driven, you have to comply before you can move on. So the child is put in the position of: "you must agree."

"I don't agree with the global warming." (giving an example) But you have to because the test won't let you move on unless you comply.

So the test-makers can make the test adaptive: we can make it easier... we can make it harder... or we can make it so that we force compliance. You can't take the next step unless you comply with whatever is being taught or presented in the test. So even if you don't agree with it, you are gonna have to write it, you're gonna have to say so.

Perhaps an example that is older will help you... I have a long history in this movement. This is not the first time that the federal government has attempted to take over education. So in the 1990s, it was called "Outcome based education" and then called "School to Work." I was one of the leading national opponents then, too. I got involved because a woman showed me a test. It was given in Pennsylvania and was called the Educational Quality Assessment (EQA). It was originally given back in the 70's and early 80's. The test said "Citizenship" so parents thought they were testing things like George Washington and the Declaration of Independence... but when you looked at the internal documents of the test, which I did, it said "we're not testing objective knowledge," it said "we are testing and SCORING for the child's threshold for behavior change without protest" and that was in the test!

A sample question said: "There's a group called Midnight Marauders and they went out at midnight and did vandalism. I, the child, would join the group IF..."
... "my best friend was in the group."
... "my mother wouldn't find out."
There was no place to say they would NOT join the group. They had to say they would join the group.

Another sample question was, "Your parents just found out that they are moving to outer Mongolia, how much time would you spend on each of the following:"
..."being upset"
..."crying"
..."arguing"
So, how adaptable are you to change?

Based on the results of the EQA, districts were given curriculum packets to modify their curriculum so that the children would do better on the EQA the next time. So they were using the test to get a threshold for behavior and then adapting.

Now that was a paper and pencil test, so to say that it was easy to track is a gross overstatement of the level of difficulty that it was to get the information, but compared to a computer adaptive test... much easier.

And when we were fighting Outcome Based Education, I was in every state but Hawaii. And in one state I was reading the Assessments, it was a Reading Assessment, and it was a story about a child who found a wallet and there was money in the wallet, and what do you do with the money. I'm sitting in the Department of Education, reading it in front of the other Secretary, because they didn't want me to make a copy and take it anywhere, which was fine, and the question was to the child:

"If you found a wallet with money in it, would you take it?"

(pause) Do you read better if you say "yes"? or do you read better if you say "no"?

Or were they testing a child's honesty on a State assessment with their name on it that was computerized? Because, with paper and pencil, I could find it.

What if they put that in a computer test? and if they don't give the right answer, I can change the computer to move them in the next direction.

So, the computer adaptive testing is REALLY dangerous for our children. Because the State can manipulate achievement data by making the test harder if they want, or easier if they want, but you won't know... you'll just get "proficient" results.

Or they can use the test to test for, and then influence, what your child thinks and how your child thinks about a variety of topics. And, again, parents thought that was a Reading test. They didn't know that "honesty" was being tested on a paper and pencil State Assessment with their child's name on it that is now part of their record.

And no child would think to say (raising hand), "Is that a Reading question?" Children just answer the questions in front of them because they're KIDS. They just take the test. THAT is what they are using the test for. Computer Adaptive makes that so much easier, and, therefore, so much more dangerous.
(end transcription, emphasis added by Momma Bears)

The PARCC test will be a State mandated test for Tennessee students in 2014-15. Some unlucky students will get to take the "pilot" PARCC this spring. No, they aren't flying an airplane... it means those students gets to be unpaid guinea pigs for the testing company (Pearson). Parents probably won't be asked permission for their children to take the trial test, so unless they ask, parents won't even know their child is being given this pilot PARCC test. Their children will miss precious class time to take a test that doesn't count for anything (except to help Pearson profit).

Will the PARCC have questions about honesty or character?
We don't know. We will never know. Parents and teachers are never allowed to see the questions. Test security is tougher than Fort Knox. In fact, a teacher in Memphis was fired last year because a high school student snapped a picture of a test question and put it on facebook. So, unless children mention the strange test questions to their parents, we have no clue. That's how Momma Bears found out about the awful Climate Surveys in TN (which, thanks to parents raising heck, have been stopped this year until parents give written consent. Go, Momma Bears!!!) And that's how parents in New York found out that the PARCC included questions with name brand products embedded in them.

Why does the government want to know this stuff about my child?
Admit it, you think Momma Bears are a little cuckoo for thinking that the government is spying on your children's brains and wanting to know their character traits. It does sound like something you'd see in a sci-fi movie. But you cannot argue with official government documents. We didn't write it, the government did. So, we give you facts. This document published by the U.S. Department of Education says:

"What will it take to shift educational priorities to promote not only content knowledge, but also grit, tenacity, and perseverance? This is an important and exciting time to stop, take stock, and prepare to move forward. New and emerging trends in research, policy, programs, and technology are providing unprecedented opportunities... new research programs are exploring ways to promote these factors. Several private foundations have recently initiated programs to push the frontiers of theory, measurement, and practice around these and related factors, particularly for at-risk and vulnerable students. In national policy, there is increasing attention on 21st-century competencies (which encompass a range of noncognitive factors, including grit), and persistence is now part of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.(page V)

Take the time to read that government document from the U.S. Department of Education. It is super-creepy!
p.39 has a Character Report Card
p.44 has pictures of the student sensors (facial cameras, pressure monitors, wrist straps, etc.)

And also take time to read the TN Race to the Top Application, Appendix C
(It is also an official government document, but it was written by consultants paid for by Bill Gates). It, too, will freak you out majorly to learn that they are compiling a 360 degree view on every child in public schools in TN, and they will share that information with the Federal Government and 3rd parties.

What if I don't want my child to take the PARCC, SBAC, State Mandated tests, or District tests?
Currently, there is no "Opt-out" law in TN. There is a proposed bill sponsored by the very awesome Knoxville Representative Gloria Johnson (she is also a teacher). If that bill passes the Legislature and becomes Law, parents would have the right to make the decision for their child (Ummm... so the government owns our kids, and parents have to get legal permission to prevent them from taking a test that could be harmful??? Momma Bears disagree with that!). The Pearson testing company sure doesn't want Rep. Johnson's Opt-Out bill to pass, and their 8 well-paid lobbyists are pushing hard to prevent it from passing. Now a half-a-billion dollar fiscal note has been added to the bill, because if students don't take the test, the federal government won't be happy and will want the $500 million back from the Race to the Top grant (which is really our tax dollars in the first place!) Crazy. Our kids in TN have a half-a-billion-dollar testing bounty over their heads. Crazy, crazy, crazy.

Use the magic word:
If you want to "opt-out" of testing for your child, be sure to use the word "REFUSE" instead. It seems to work for parents who have used it in TN. If you use the word, "opt-out," you'll be told the Attorney General says you cannot legally opt-out (which is true because TN does not have an Opt-out law. Yet.). Crazy, huh? Refuse is the magic word.

What if I keep my child home on testing days?
Some parents do that and it works. However, the testing windows to administer state mandated tests last a few weeks because there aren't enough computers to test every child at once. Testing must be done in shifts and this takes a long time. Plus, there are make-up test days following the test window weeks. That's a LOT of unexcused absences for a student.
Note: We're not saying you should lie and say your child is sick those days, because lying is dishonest, but your child could possibly be reported for truancy for having that unexcused absences. Crazy, huh?
Another negative: the State mandates that the test count as 15%-25% of the child's grade on his/her final report card. So, depending on your district, your child will be given a zero averaged in with his other grades. In most districts, this means 10% of their English grade will be counted as a zero, and 10% of their math grade will be a zero, averaged in with their semester grades.

Some parents in other states have had success with this method of "opting out":
Withdraw your child from school the day of testing. After the testing window is complete, re-enroll them in school. This method is a big hassle both for the parent and for the school personnel. And you'll need to figure out childcare arrangements since they won't be at school. But it prevents the test from being given to your child, prevents the zero being a part of his/her final grade, and means you won't be reported to DHS for truancy or unexcused absences.

Time to use your Superhero power:
Call and/or email legislators as soon as possible and let them know that you support these bills:

Testing Opt-Out (HB1841/SB2221): “This bill permits parents to opt their children out of participation in high-stakes testing.”
Repeal Common Core (HB 2332/SB 2405) This bill would Repeal Common Core Standards in TN!!!
Postpone Common Core (HB 1825 /SB 1985) requires the state board of education and the department of education to postpone any further implementation of Common Core State Standards beyond those standards implemented as of June 30, 2013, until further implementation is approved by the general assembly.

A teacher sends a LOUD message. Parents hear it.

2/20/2014

A frustrated email from a teacher sent to the parents of his students:

Dear parents,

Unfortunately, and I mean unfortunately, I am going to have to give a MIST test for three hours to each of my 4 regular language arts classes this week. I say "unfortunately" because it is a lot of time that can be used for reading, instruction, and learning, and it means a changed and altered schedule for the entire week. MIST is a writing assessment in which my students will have to compare and contrast two nonfiction articles. The entire examination is computerized, for it will be all typed. None of my students are proficient at typing. Their scores will not determine a grade, average, or placement for next year. Right after this MIST test, my students will have to take another DEA (Discovery Education) test and a TCAP soon after that. Can you say "over testing"? However, despite my negative views, I have confidence in my kids and have assured my students that they will rise to the occasion as always, do their best, and help get me through the week.

While we're not on the computers, we are going to attempt to finish our "Arachne" questions and finish up our compare and contrast essays on "Arachne" and "The Stone." I have been so impressed with the beginning of those essays. Not often do most of my classes over exceed my expectations, but they have so far on this writing activity. They have started really well. It amazes me how much our writing has already improved since August. I am very happy with them.

We were supposed to begin reading The Clay Marble, a novel taking place during the civil war in Cambodia in the late 1970's, but because of the testing and interrupted schedule I don't think we'd finish it before spring break. I don't want to have an entire week off in the middle of a book. I'll keep you informed. Have a nice President's Day and week.

Mr. XXXXX

This teacher just plain ROCKS!!!
He's fed up with state and district testing. He just wants to teach.
Even more frustrating: a big chunk of his yearly evaluation score is based on the test results of his students that he doesn't have time to teach.
And even more frustrating that that: other teachers at his school are evaluated based on the test results of HIS students (even though those students may never be in that teacher's class) because some subjects are not tested with standardized tests.

You can thank these people for this asinine TVAAS evaluation system:

TN Board of Education (appointed by Gov. Haslam)
TN Commissioner Kevin Huffman (appointed by Gov. Haslam)
Governor Haslam (who sent his kids to private schools that didn't excessively test or rate teachers by test scores)
William Sanders (the statistician who came up with this awful system to rate agricultural growth and somehow it is now it is being used to abuse teachers)

Teachers in his district (Shelby County, TN) tell us that 2 to 3 months of the school year are spent on such testing, pre-testing, post-testing, and assessments. That's a LOT of time that could be spent teaching. A LOT. Add it up over a child's education, and that's several years devoted to filling in bubbles!!!

Cha-ching!!!!
In Tennessee, money spent with Pearson, the creator of these tests, has TRIPLED since 2010 when Tennessee "won" a Race to the Top grant. Since then, class sizes have increased and support staff in the school buildings has been cut to afford these testing materials. (Click HERE to watch a very enlightening presentation about it)

YOU FAILED... but we hit the JACKPOT!!!
What happens if a child fails a test, such as Discovery Education (DEA)? Like a slot machine that hits jackpot in Tunica, that child is labeled as needing "intervention". (Note: this isn't the kind of intervention that Dr. Phil used to do on his show, not at all). Intervention means that the student who failed Pearson's test, now gets to sit in front of a Pearson computer program for hours each week instead of being taught by a live teacher.

Infuriating as it is, parents are not notified this is happening. They have no idea that their child is pulled from class to sit in front of a computer for hours each week instead of being in class when the teacher is teaching everyone else. HELLO??? That child will be even farther behind if he misses class time! Even more maddening (yes, it gets worse), there have been some cases where smart children have failed the confusing Discovery test, but the teacher cannot trump the computer results so these smart children are forced to do remedial computer programs until the next scheduled assessment block rolls around.

MADDENING THINGS:

Some materials on these tests haven't been taught to students, yet. One 3rd grade teacher said that 19 of 32 test questions on Discovery Assessment probe she was forced to give students mid-year were on material they had not even covered yet. DUH! Of course they are going to fail it if they haven't been taught it, yet! (Note: this teacher is following the TN Department of Education's pacing guide for the Common Core standards, so her students are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing)
Parents aren't told their children are being given these tests and surveys. Honestly, tests can be a good thing. Parents support teacher-generated tests that fairly assess what was taught that week or semester (like chapter tests, weekly spelling tests, math fact tests, etc.). Of course, parents know some testing is necessary, but at what point does it become excessive and abusive? What if a doctor kept giving x-rays to healthy bones every few weeks? Either you or your insurance company would question it and put a stop to it. When parents aren't told these tests and surveys are being given and when the teachers cannot tell parents that these tests are excessive and wrong (because they might get in big trouble from administration and lose their jobs), parents should be worried. Very worried.
Nobody gets to see the test questions on the TCAP or PARCC, not even the teachers. How do we know what questions the students got wrong? How do we know there aren't errors on the tests? How do we know the questions aren't biased? or have inappropriate content like these Pearson PARCC questions did last year in NY? Momma Bears say: "If you're giving it to my kid, I have a right to see it. Period."
Even if teachers know a student has mastered a subject, the student is still required to do the computerized intervention. The teacher's opinion from working with that child every day is trumped by the score generated by a computer program. (Note: this is a school/district based decision, so it may be different in your child's school)
Surveys and demographic questions have been attached to these computerized assessments without parents knowing about it (Click HERE to read our blogs about the demographic info students are asked without parental consent or knowledge)
Pearson acquired a major ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder) company last year. So, guess who profits from diagnosing kids with ADHD because they can't sit still and focus on Pearson's tests? Yep. (Click HERE to read it yourself)

So, what can YOU do about all these maddening things?

Consider running for Governor. Seriously, we need a pro-public school Governor in TN... Someone who realizes that our public schools are invaluable... Someone who realizes our children's teachers are priceless and deserve to be respected for their hard work and dedication... Someone who respects the rights of parents and puts our children above profit... Someone who doesn't act like Pearson's lobbyists are hot Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders selling Girl Scout cookies every time they show up at the capitol with Pearson products to sell in TN. (No offense to the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders or to the Girl Scouts, both are awesome organizations.)
Contact your legislators. Seriously, they DO listen. Tell them how your children are affected by all this testing. Here's a great website with Tennessee legislator's email addresses and even some tips on how to get your voice heard. It works.
Say "not with my child!" and refuse testing for your children. www.unitedoptout.com has a great guide for each State on how to refuse testing for your children with sample letters and even has a Get-Tough guide if your principals or district give you the run-around. If you are in Tennessee, www.stoptntesting.com is a terrific website for parents (and their facebook group is pretty awesome, too).

Here is what one Dad sent to his child's school this week:

"It's not as professional and polished as I would have liked, but it will work. If the school had TOLD parents that there was a writing assessment being given I would not opted my child out the day before testing. 2/3 of her class will have already taken this test by the end of school today. It doesn't count for anything, not a grade, not a teacher or school assessment, but it does count in my child's mind. She wants to do well.
This was NOT on the school testing calendar! I wonder why they didn't want parents to know?" - Dad in Franklin County, TN

Parents:
It is going to take YOU speaking up to make it better...
...Teachers can't do it.
...Principals can't to it.
...Administrators can't do it.
They all want and need to keep their jobs to provide for their families. Parents, your voice is important! Make it count for your kids!!!