Many members' have voiced concerns about whether to have their own children Opt Out of State Tests. This is a topic that many parents, educators and community leaders are now discussing and considering. The movement is growing and very active in an increasing number of communities on Long Island. At Herricks, Opting Out was minimal last year. We have worked hard to educate our members and as a result are now getting many questions from them about what to do with their own children. This is great news as it indicates that our members are becoming more enlightened on these matters, active and rightfully concerned.
NYSUT, "fully supports parents' right to choose what is best for their children - including NYSUT members who decide as parents to opt their child out of state tests. In addition NYSUT encourages members to exercise their rights as professionals to speak out against the harmful effects of high stakes tests- and will vigorously defend members if a district brings disciplinary charges in that event."
"Locals and individual members who advise parents or students to opt out of state tests may face risks. The Supreme Court has held that when a public employee speaks in his/her capacity as an employee, the speech is not constitutionally protected."
I am including the NYSUT Opt Out Fact Sheet as an attachment.
In previous correspondence I have referenced NYSAPE (New York State Allies fr Public Education). This is a group of parents, concerned community advocates, teachers, etc. who are working to educate and share information about the excess testing and defend the assault on Public Education. NYSAPE is an advocate for our students and public education. They are responsible for the mobile billboard (see below) that is circulating throughout the North Shore and other Long Island communities.
Many locals have made donations to them so as to help NYSAPE advocate for our students and public education.
Their website is:
If you click on the following link it will take you right to the section on "Refusing the Test".
This is a great site that has a short video, many resources including a sample "Refusal letter" that can be used by parents. The website is very user friendly and easy to follow. There is also an Action Center that will allow you easy access to contact legislators. NYSAPE is sponsoring the Forum at Hofstra featuring Diane Ravitch on March 9th that I recently sent an email about.
At this time, the Executive Council has decided to not support pushing our members to opt their own children out, but we are providing the above information to anyone who wants it.
Thanks again for becoming involved and advocating for students, public schools and our profession.