Common Core protesters hit goal of 200,000 test refusals
The state released the official numbers Wednesday along with test results.
While opt out numbers skyrocketed across the state, test scores didn't look a whole lot different compared to the last two years and parents are feeling frustrated.
“I was surprised. I was hoping they had done a lot better,” said Andy O’Toole, whose kids are in grades six and eight.
Statewide results show slight improvements in English with 31.3 percent of students grades three through eight scoring proficient, compared to 30.6 percent in 2014 and 31.1 percent in 2013.
Students made bigger leaps in math with 38.1 percent of students grades three through eight scoring proficient, compared to 36.2 percent in 2014 and 31.1 percent in 2013.
“It is frustrating because I’ve seen that the teachers are very dedicated, I see the students trying very hard on the tests and yet they don’t seem to do well,” said O’Toole.
But, new state education commissioner MaryEllen Elia is remaining optimistic.
“Certainly the transition to new learning standards is not easy and success isn’t instantaneous,” she said in a conference call with reporters after the scores were released.
“I would like to see gains faster, but again it wasn’t beyond my expectations at this point,” said Albany Superintendent Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard.
The Albany School District is lagging behind the state. Only 14 percent of students scored proficient in math, up from 12 percent last year. Fifteen percent scored proficient in English Language Arts, compared to 14 percent a year ago.
“I’m optimistic they went up, but they are still much lower then I’d like to see them, less than half of the state which is disappointing for Albany,” said Mary Beth Farr, a mother in the district.
The ‘opt out’ movement gained steam this year with 20 percent of eligible students sitting out across the state. That's four times more than last year.
Wyngaard is echoing the commissioner's call to stop the movement next year.
“You can’t hold yourself accountable to a standard without measuring results,” she said.
