mcgoey said:
There are some strange rules; like the only books allowed one. I don't know why that would matter in a class full of students not taking the test.
srg36 said:
My biggest contention with everything I've read about PARCC is why do the teachers need to teach to the test if the test is supposed to measure how well kids are learning the curriculum. Clearly either the test or the curriculum need to change, so that there can be true measurement. As adults, I think we are comparing our technical abilities to our kids, who have grown up with computers and view them differently than we do. It is how they interact. My kids laugh at me that I use a laptop for email and don't manage it on my phone.
srg36 said:
youngest is a senior, so I thought I have no horse in this race....HOWEVER, kid takes a very high level coding class and noted they don't have computers for the next 3 weeks, as all the CHS computers are being used for PARCC testing. Really??? - how are they going to get anything done for the next 3 weeks. Teacher has said they will be doing coding on paper.
sprout said:
mcgoey said:
There are some strange rules; like the only books allowed one. I don't know why that would matter in a class full of students not taking the test.
The letter from Mr. Memoli said that the students would be reading in the same room as the test-takers, not a separate location.
algebra2 said:
As a kid with a sophomore in HS I was told opting out will not "hurt" him and he could (possibly) use that time to get other work done. I'm thinking about it simply because if he can use time for school work that is more important for him. So - how would he "opt out"? Anyone know?
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you may know, this year New Jersey has mandated a new assessment for all public school districts to administer to students called the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career (PARCC). The PARCC will be administered in place of the NJASK for English Language Arts and Math in grades 3-11. A FAQ is attached providing additional information about the PARCC, and SOMSD’s preparation to administer this state-mandated assessment.
Our goal is to ensure that testing administration is stress-free, smooth and orderly.
* The 2015 PARCC will have no academic consequences for students. It will be used as baseline data only, and will not be used for academic placement.
* Testing will take place in March; the testing dates are on the attached calendar. There will be a second round of PARCC testing in May.
* The testing time will vary from day to day, but all tests will be administered in the morning.
* Students are encouraged to get a good night’s rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and to arrive at school on time.
SOMSD recognizes that some families have concerns about their children participating in PARCC testing, and we have received some questions about what happens should a family refuse to allow their child/children to be tested. We respect personal parental concerns about this assessment, while at the same time we are adhering to state regulations. This year, the state has left it up to local school districts to decide how to handle those situations in which parents choose to have their children refuse to take the standardized assessment. If you are planning to refuse to allow your son or daughter to take the test, please note the following:
* There will be no negative consequences or disciplinary action for any student who is not taking the assessment.
* Please send an email or a letter to the building principal as soon as possible indicating that you are refusing to have your child take the PARCC test. Please do not keep your child home from school. We are required to follow all attendance rules and regulations.
* If you choose to not have your child take the state test, one letter will suffice for a refusal of the Performance Based Assessment in March, including make-up testing.
* Students must be on time for school regardless of whether or not they are participating in the testing.
* We ask you to have non-test taking students bring a book to keep them occupied during the hours of testing. They will remain in the classroom with the other students who are being tested. We cannot provide a separate space for non- testing students due to lack of personnel and space.
There is additional information about PARCC on the district website.
Thank you for your partnership in helping SOMSD meet our state-mandate.
Sincerely,
James G. Memoli
Acting Superintendent
meandtheboys said:
Nobody said anything about them having phones. Some people just like to jump to conclusions based on their assumptions about the thinking and motivation of people they don't know.
mcgoey said:
I didn't mean that they should have phones. I thought if they could bring in math homework or research work they were doing they could use pen and paper to take notes or do the math work.
callista said:
My son was lobbying not to take the PARCC, saying he had heard from teachers that it was designed for you to fail, failing would be emotionally scarring for him (ha!), etc. He missed thurs and Fri due to illness, so i asked his counselor if he DID skip the PARCC, could he use that time for make up work, but she said that, unfortunately, that was not allowed. Only books. He took the PARCC.
mod said:
Teachers should not be tuning up the stress about this test- that is very unprofessional.
ctrzaska said:
meandtheboys said:
Nobody said anything about them having phones. Some people just like to jump to conclusions based on their assumptions about the thinking and motivation of people they don't know.
You should be more clear, then. Most of us consider reading a book in line with what kids ought to be doing at school if they aren't doing what 95% of the other kids are doing at school.
mcgoey said:
I didn't mean that they should have phones. I thought if they could bring in math homework or research work they were doing they could use pen and paper to take notes or do the math work.
Ok then. When does my kid get the advantage of the extra few hours to either get ahead of his work or catch up during school time?
carolanne said:
when you send in a refusal letter?
mcgoey said:
I didn't mean that they should have phones. I thought if they could bring in math homework or research work they were doing they could use pen and paper to take notes or do the math work.
srg36 said:
Teacher has said they will be doing coding on paper.
algebra2