Parents do What Teachers Can't: Opt Out of Standardized Test
Message From An Anonymous Teacher in New York State
by Mark Naison
From Anonymous Teacher
"Last week I made the decision to become a Teacher of Conscience and refuse to administer the state tests to my elementary students. Not knowing exactly all the proper steps to go through, I reached out to some of the folks at NYSAPE and one teacher who did refuse with the support of her administration. There is no guarantee that I will have support. The NYSAPE reps and this teacher were all very excited and happy to support me on this journey. I also reached out to my local president who enthusiastically contacted the NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist for guidance. This is NYSUT's response to my president.
'No she cannot refuse to administer the tests. She will be insubordinate and could face 3020-a charges, which in turn could lead to dismissal and/or a loss of her teachers license. Please advise him/her against this.'
I took it upon myself to call this person right after school today. She asked my reason for refusing. I told her for moral and ethical reasons. The specialist said that if I did not receive support from my district in writing, that NYSUT would not take on or support my case if I refused anyway. She even went as far to say that even if my district did not bring me up on insubordination charges that the Commissioner could very well charge me and call a hearing herself. I'm reaching out to likeminded educators, administrators, and parents here with this question...What would you do in my position?"Message From An Anonymous Teacher in New York State by Mark Naison From Anonymous Teacher:
