The GCTA encourages parents to REFUSE the NYS Standardized Assessments in grades 3-8 - these assessments serve no educational purpose because the results are not known until after the school year ends, the test questions are kept secret and there is no way to use the tests to help improve your child’s learning. As per Dr. Feirsen's letter to parents on March 9, 2017 (click here for letter) parents who wish to refuse any exam must state so in writing, either by letter or email. Below are three form letters that can be used to provide to your child's principal if you choose to REFUSE any or all of the assessments. Your child's principal must be notified in writing prior to the start of the testing session - the first testing session (ELA) begins this Tuesday morning, March 28, 2017
While the GCTA echoes their state affiliate NYSUT with calling for parents across the state to refuse these exams, we respect your decision either way and know that it reflects what you feel is best for your child.
Stewart School Refusal Letter Principal's email: nortonl@gcufsd.net
Stratford School Refusal Letter Principal's email votae@gcufsd.net
Middle School Refusal Letter Principal's email osroffp@gcufsd.net
Please read An Appeal to Concerned Parents and review the links below (provided in the GCTA letter sent home this past week) for further information.
NYSUT Parent Resources - http://www.nysut.org/resources/all-listing/2013/june/getting-it-right-a-parents-guide-to-student-assessment
Facts about AYP - http://www.fairtest.org/why-you-can-boycott-testing-without-fear
New York State Allies for Public Education - www.nysape.org
Garden City AIS Plan - http://www.gardencity.k12.ny.us/Page/3851
NYS Testing Guides - https://www.engageny.org/resource/test-guides-english-language-arts-and-mathematics-archive
“Common Core Parental Refusal Act” - http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?term=2015&bn=A06025
The following was provided by one of our great reading teachers in Garden City:
You refused the NYS tests for your child! Celebrate NO-testing week by taking your child to the library or the bookstore this weekend! Pick out some great books or magazines for him/her to take in a special bag for the 90 min reading time for the upcoming 6 days of testing. Make a special bookmark and slip it in the book he is reading. Read a part of the book so you can jot a note about the main character and then follow up with a discussion when he gets home from school. Sketch a picture from the book and write a note to your daughter telling her why you chose that picture to draw. Put a note in an envelope telling your son why he is so special. Write a riddle on a post it. Start a poem for your daughter and have her finish it. Sneak a Hershey Kiss in the reading bag. On a note, tell her to take a reading break. Rest her eyes and think of her most favorite vacation memory, moment with grandma or grandpa, etc.