The topic of standardized testing has sparked intense discussion in recent months, particularly during testing season. In my local community, the opt-out rate reached nearly 15 percent, prompting a variety of opinions on the effectiveness of these assessments and the best course of action for our children. Ultimately, we decided that our son would not participate in the tests.
Despite the ongoing dialogue, some individuals remain unclear about why many parents made this decision. One such individual is Sarah Daniels, an experienced sixth-grade teacher in Connecticut, who recently expressed her belief that all students should take these assessments. With 18 years in the education field and a master’s degree under her belt, her perspective comes from a place of authority; however, I find her reasoning to be misguided regarding the so-called “opt-out movement.”
Daniels assumes that parents opt out because their children find the tests daunting or stressful. This is a misconception. My decision to request an exemption for my son wasn’t based on his feelings towards testing or any anxiety he might have experienced. Children might dislike homework, brushing their teeth, or cleaning their rooms, yet they are expected to complete these tasks.
Daniels also mentions a concerning trend in education where students feel entitled to choose what they participate in. She argues that this sends the wrong message, suggesting that if something is difficult or unappealing, they can simply avoid it. This perspective overlooks a crucial aspect of the discussion.
Many parents, including myself, believe that standardized testing fails to accurately assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses or evaluate a teacher’s effectiveness. In New York, for instance, a group of 557 principals expressed their concerns about ambiguous questions on these tests, indicating a widespread lack of consensus among educators regarding their validity.
I have always excelled at tests, but I still oppose standardized assessments. When I moved to the U.S. for college, I had to take the SATs, which I had not prepared for since they are not part of the educational system in Canada. I familiarized myself with the test format through practice exams and ultimately achieved a high score, gaining admission to my desired college. However, the tests my son was scheduled to take would not contribute to his academic future; thus, I opted out as a way to voice my disapproval to the Department of Education. Knowing that other parents shared my views made this decision more impactful, as a solitary choice might have isolated my son unnecessarily.
While his classmates engaged in testing, my son and other opt-out students were placed in the cafeteria to read quietly. While he found the environment less than stimulating, we denied his request to join friends at a diner. Our goal was to teach him to uphold his principles, even when faced with discomfort, not to shy away from challenges.
Throughout his education, he will encounter numerous opportunities to learn perseverance and diligence. The discussions surrounding the tests revealed to us that he was already informed about the issues at hand, and we supported him in standing firm on his beliefs, even if it meant enduring a less enjoyable situation.
In summary, our choice to opt out of standardized testing was about teaching our son the importance of standing up for one’s convictions rather than avoiding challenges. I hope this lesson will stay with him throughout his life. For more insights on related topics, you might be interested in this informative post about home insemination.