You have questions... we might have answers!

• What if my district says "NO" to opting-out/refusing?
  That's too bad that they would not honor a parent's decision and very sad that they would put a test before the welfare of a child. If you want to make a stink about it, there is a helpful "Get Tough" guide at www.unitedoptout.com. They say it much better than we could, so visit their site for a dose of courage. (Click HERE to go to UnitedOptOut)
  
  
• Will it hurt my child to not test?
  We aren't going to lie. It certainly could. Law states that TCAP count as 15%-25% of student's final report cards. For 2016-17, the percentage seems to be lowered to 10%.  Even though we're told that TCAP/TNReady scores might not be back this year in time for report cards, the state could work some quick score magic if they wanted to. Getting a zero by not taking a test could ding GPA scores for high schoolers, which could affect college opportunities. Find out which tests count.
  Also important to consider, some districts have magnet schools with eligibility requirements. Find out the requirements before you refuse a test needed for magnet entry out accelerated classes. It is possible you could use the same entry requirements used by private and home school students who do not take state tests. But you may have to pay for private testing to get those scores to submit.
  
  
• Will it hurt my child's school to not test?
  The federal government requires that every district and every state have at least 95% participation rate for annual testing of students. Big whoop. Many districts in other states have not met this 95% and have not been punished or penalized one bit. Momma Bears are calling their bluff. The federal government can bully, but they can't trump the rights of parents and they know that.
  So, no, it won't hurt your child's school. In fact, it HAS hurt your child's school to take the tests... think of all the extra test-prep, practice tests, predictor tests, RTI, data coordinators, testing staff, technology expenses to give the tests, etc. that have been put in schools to increase test scores! Think of the schools in poor urban areas that have been literally taken over by private interests to profit from because of their test scores (and, ironically, the test scores are even lower than they were before as public schools!)
  
  
• What if I'm labelled as "that parent" for rocking the boat?
  Welcome to the club! It means you're not a coward when it comes to your children. It means you are a leader, and not a follower. You're teaching your children to stand up for what is right.
  Momma Bears were afraid of the same thing, but you know what happened when we started refusing the tests? We were HEROES to the teachers! Suddenly teachers were stopping us in the hallways wanting to tell us they think we're doing the right thing and wanting to know how to opt their own children out... And other parents were asking us how to opt their kids out... And people you never met were sending you messages wanting to know how to opt out... Pretty cool! There is a Youtube video that kinda sums it up well, and also, coincidentally, looks like how some of the Momma Bears bloggers really look dancing. Haha! (Click HERE to see the funny video)
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• What if my child is scared to opt out/refuse? or doesn't want to sit and stare during the 8 hours of testing?  Does my child have the right to read a book or do something else during the test?
  Students have the RIGHT to read a book or do an alternative activity that is not related to the subject being tested.  Click HERE to download the TNReady testing manual that states that right (p.22).
  We have a handy student page with advice. It might help. It is important to realize that you do have a choice in the matter... students can be frustrated by taking a test that is developmentally inappropriate, a waste of their time, and that could harm their teacher's evaluation... or they can not take the test. They do have a choice, and with parent permission and support they can stand up to inappropriate, poorly designed tests.


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