Thursday, January 22, 2015

Teachers who Refuse to Administer High Stakes Tests

The list is growing by the day.  Who else will join? As the list grows I will update this blog post.

Judy Dotson – Washington (objects to administering the test)
Susan DuFresne – Washington (objects to administering the test)
Becca Ritchie – Washington (objects to administering the test)


Dan Hornberger - Pennsylvania (refused to administer PA Keystone Exams)

Anonymous refusal: A teacher has successfully refused to administer the upcoming common core test by stating anxiety as a medical issue, which makes it impossible for her to administer the test. I know there is some concern that this might lead to a teacher dismissal/stating they are unable to perform their job, but regardless, in this case it was successful and I think it's important to share as it might work for some!

Kathleen Jeskey - Oregon

 Jan Hayden Well - Oregon 

 Dale Weiss - Wisconsin

 Cathy Jester - Wisconsin



Solidarity to all of you.

We refuse to obey unjust laws. 
Posted by at

6 comments:

  1. RohondolitaJanuary 30, 2015 at 6:59 PM

    Have any of these teachers been dismissed?
    I'd love not to administer the tests, but I also need and love my job. In middle school, I have one hour a day with my 7th grade students, and two hours a day with my 6th grade students. The amount of time spent having them practice using chrome books, watching an explanatory video, viewing the tutorials, taking the practice tests and the actual test... well, it does take away from our teaching and learning. They also take the MAP test in October, and they get to take it again in February. Now that we have hit the half-way mark for our school year, it feels like the rest of the year will be spent on a variety of assessments. How am I supposed to prepare them for their next grade?
    I have two children in second grade though, and opting out might be a great option for them. We take the SBAC, and what I've read is third grade students will spend something like nine hours testing. Ridiculous.
    Every staff meeting, professional development days, our PLC meetings - all have been devoted to information about the test. Teachers are highly encouraged to take the practice tests on our own time. Our counselors spend hours scheduling the tests.
    Just today, when my students were supposed to be doing research to write argumentative essays, our computers were on and off and on and off again. The district had some server issues. Imagine this happening when the kids are testing. (It did happen last year; students were testing and then the computer kicked them out of the test. They logged back on only to have it happen again. As you can imagine, kids with short attention spans lost their focus.)
    At some point, somebody has to take a stand. It would be very effective if those people were the parents. Good job to the teachers mentioned above who have the potential to begin a movement in our nation. Good job on your opt-out site!

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 31, 2015 at 1:45 PM

    Parents need to step up and protect teachers, standing with them. Let PTAs go to principals and superintendents together, and demand a commitment that teachers will not be disciplined in any way for except using their best professional judgment about what is in the best interest of the children in their care.

    Divided, parents and teachers are vulnerable. United, we will prevail and restore sanity to our education system.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownApril 3, 2015 at 3:14 PM

      Did you teach at SHS? I was wondering what happened. I do not approve of SBAC and try to spread the word.

      Delete
    2. UnknownApril 3, 2015 at 3:17 PM

      Did you teach at SHS? What happened? I do not approve of SBAC and I'm spreading the word.

      Delete
  3. UnknownJanuary 31, 2015 at 2:32 PM

    That was supposed to be "exercise" professional judgment!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Leslie GatesFebruary 17, 2015 at 12:31 PM

    Hi, I don't think the first three links are working. Also, what about these teachers? http://iamaneducator.com/2014/04/07/an-act-of-conscience-teachers-at-new-yorks-earth-school-boycott-common-core-tests/

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)