I received this email today.  It is printed with the permission of the writer.  Did you know the schools are wasting time practicing for the test that doesn’t count?

WJBC is reporting that Normal Community students are planning a walkout to protest the test.  Opting out would be much easier.

“Local School Official & Teacher Honor Student’s Right to Not Participate in the PARCC Assessment Test”

Hello,

I thought that I would share with you a positive experience today regarding the administration of the PARCC practice test at Central Primary School in Washington, Illinois.

My daughter’s class is having the PARCC test administered next week along with children state-wide; her teacher is aware of my and my wife’s refusal for our daughter to participate in the PARCC testing.  We intended to send a letter regarding this on Friday or Monday to the principal, teacher, superintendent, and school board.  We were unaware of a practice test to be administered today.

In short, my daughter’s class was presented with the practice PARCC test; my daughter politely declined to participate.  Her teacher politely acknowledged her right to do so.  When my wife arrived to pick up another one of my children (unrelated reason), as I understand it, this is what occurred.  The Principal discussed the situation with my wife and daughter and also acknowledged my daughters right to refuse to participate.  He requested that she bring materials of her own to occupy her time during the PARCC test next week, as he has been informed/instructed that he may not provide for other activities, nor provide encouragement for others to follow suit with my daughter.  I understand that he will acknowledge other’s rights to decline in participating if they indicate so.

I share this, not because I am a proud father, but in hopes that my 9 year old daughter’s courage and strength will encourage others – parents and children, to stand up for themselves and decline to participate if they wish to exercise such a right.

I also share this in appreciation of the professionalism and care for which the staff at Central Primary School in Washington, Illinois treated my daughter and handled the situation, as I acknowledge the delicate circumstances in which they find themselves.

Please share with those you believe need encouragement.

Regards,
Tim McGreevy