Question Of The Day: Will You Boycott Student Field Testing?

Councilmember Brad Lander shared a letter via Twitter this morning that he sent to his daughter’s school, denying permission for her to participate in the upcoming Grade 4 Elementary Level ELA Field Test.

Field tests, as opposed to regular standardized tests (such as the ones students completed in April of this year), do not affect student (or teacher) performance records, and exist solely to help testing companies try out questions for future standardized tests. These trial questions are both embedded within actual state tests, and presented in stand-alone field tests, like the ones that are taking place around the city this week.

What do you think, neighbors? Has the standardized testing machine gone too far, or are these field tests a necessary evil that will help improve student learning? Are there any parents out there who plan to follow in Councilmember Lander’s lead and boycott this week’s test?

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