An Alabama teen was suspended for refusing to take Common Core tests. Eighth-grade student Alyssa McKinney said she simply does not agree with standardized testing. The Alabama Department of Education allows parents to refuse the tests for their children. However, the requests must be submitted in writing. As McKinney’s parents did not file the required forms, she was suspended from school.
On the first and second days of testing, McKinney was served with in-school suspensions. On the third day, she was punished with an out-of-school suspension. Whitesburg Middle School officials have not commented on the incident.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative was developed in 2009 and is sponsored by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The initiative was developed to promote consistent educational standards nationwide.
Common Core testing focuses on proficiency in English language arts and mathematics. As discussed at CoreStandards.Org , 44 states have adopted and implemented Common Core standards. Although the initiative was developed to promote education standards , it has received stark criticism from educators, parents, and students.
Those who criticize the initiative are concerned that teachers are being forced to structure their curricula around the tests . Critics further argue that a Common Core curriculum leaves little room for creativity and individuality.
As reported by US News , those who support Common Core Standards “represent an amalgamation and integration of a dozen years of research.”
Professor David Conley, co-chair of the Common Core State Standards Initiative Validation Committee, said the English standards were developed using “extensive scholarly research and evidence.” Mathematical standards were developed to “become more coherent and focused in order to improve student achievement.”
Although Common Core standards were adopted by 44 states, some parents and students have resisted the testing. As reported by Fox News , Alyssa McKinney is not the only student to be punished for refusing the exams .
In April, 13-year-old Seirra Olivero was suspended from New York’s Orange-Ulster BOCES school for opting out of the testing. Olivero was suspended for “insubordination,” as she encouraged other students to refuse the testing as well.
In another New York school, students who opted out of the testing were denied ice cream. Parents were outraged as the treats were only given to those who chose to take the test. Arkport school officials argued that the reward system has been in place for several years.
As Common Core Standards remain controversial, students and parents will likely face continued criticism and punishment for opting out. Those who support the initiative insist the standards are essential to ensure all children receive a good education.
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