Every time a child takes a high stakes test we are one step closer to the end of public education. Keep that in mind next year - especially if you are a student and/or have a child that doesn't mind the test - know that the action of taking the test in fact is assisting in the dismantling of public education and the end of the teaching profession. I don't spend my time helping people opt out because of some silly ole non-consequential test; I help people opt out because I know that submitting to the test - whether you do well on it or not - will result in the destruction of the cornerstone of our democracy.
For some reason the concept of "the destruction of the cornerstone of our democracy" doesn't seem to really hit home with folks - not sure why - perhaps it sounds like sci fi...ha....if only.
Let's look at it another way. While public education is being destroyed - whether your community feels it or not - our neediest children feel it in ways you and I could never imagine - that's the ugly part that no one wants you to know about. Their communities are destroyed and their dreams often go with it. So, the act of taking the test, while it may not seem to harm your child (although I would disagree), indeed harms many others.
If you refuse the test, you are helping save the lives of our neediest children. For those of us who know these children, just know that your gift of opt out/refusal will have an impact on their futures.
If you do not yet believe your school district is suffering from corporate ed. reform, please consider looking outside of your community and refuse the test for the children who currently feel the greatest impact from the punitive consequences of high stakes testing. Please don't walk on by. There is not much time left.
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