I promise not to post any test passages, but the BATs don’t.
Here, they have gathered comments from teachers about the test questions. Some are general, some specific.
It appears that the tests contained many words that would be unfamiliar to most students, some with explanations, others not. In general, the reading level of the tests were well above the grade level of the students.
By the way, if you go to the NYSAPE website, you will learn that the opt-out numbers are up to 173,000 and 63% of districts have reported. These are not official numbers, as the state says it can’t release such numbers until the summer. This is truly a citizens’ revolt against bad policy imposed by the Governor, the Legislature, and the U.S. Department of Education. The opt out movement will likely continue to grow until toxic policies are rolled back.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
If every teacher refused to administer the CC tests, what would happen? Would they ALL be fired? How would districts replace hundreds of teachers? Just think of the paperwork and time involved in an effort such as this. How would parents feel about their children being wound up in this chaos? The problem is that teachers are afraid to lose their jobs, and they should be. The job market isn’t that great. If only we had a union that stood behind us and didn’t feed us to the wolves, we might work up the courage. I will never again give any money to NYSUT until they have a cogent and ACTIVE plan of attack – one which doesn’t involve wearing red on Tuesdays, billboards and just reacting to legislation. The VOTE-COPE flyers came around and I almost laughed out loud.
LikeLike
There is a plan to rally in every community across the state on Friday April 24th. Are you making up a sign? Are you inviting parents who get what this is about to stand with you this coming Friday? This is being coordinated by your union.
You are your union! What are you doing to organize the members in your School?
LikeLike
Where can we get more information?
LikeLike
Contact NYSUT. There is a plan in District 13 (Mid-Hudson Valley). It would take too much space to post the specifics here. Our NYSUT organizer here is Kathy Taylor. She is doing a great job!!
LikeLike
There is nothing on the NYSUT webpage or fb page
LikeLike
What NYSUT District are you in? You can get information on how to contact your district representative on the NYSUT web page. I can find the contact info for you if you need. If organizing is not happening in your part of the state, get it started.
The district to our south held a very successful rally last Friday. There were probably 500 teachers, with husbands children and dogs, standing at a busy intersection on a major thoroughfare. The public was very supportive, as evidenced by the constant cacophony of blaring horns. Teachers were sorely in need of the affirmation that they got from the public’s positive response.
LikeLike
CNN: parents across the US are opting kids out
http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/17/living/parents-movement-opt-out-of-testing-feat/
LikeLike
http://badassteachers.blogspot.com/2015/04/i-cried-today-by-robyn-brydalski-i.html
“My blood boiled and anger seethed from the deepest parts of my heart when I saw the confusing passages and misleading questions. This test played on an eight year old mind taking advantage of these literal thinkers full knowing, on their own, very few students would be able to analyze, synthesize and evaluate an author’s message. The sheer volume of passages was exhausting. One of my brightest students was so confused by a question that she shut down and gave up. She looked at me and said, “I’m just stupid, I guess.” She is eight years old. No eight year old deserves to feel this way. I cried tears of pain when many of my students looked to me for guidance and clarification. I encouraged them but I knew without a teacher guiding them, they would not be successful with the expected question and my students knew this. How is this right? How is this just? How is this a true measure of good teaching? My students persevered through day one, toughed it out for day two but by day three could not demonstrate any evidence of learning. They were academically beat, physically exhausted and morally defeated.”
LikeLike
“I promise not to post any test passages, but the BATs don’t.”
Come on Bad Asses publish the test questions.
Oh, ain’t that BAAAAAd, eh?
LikeLike
This is institutionalized entrapment. It is a crime against the most disadvantaged learners at the most vulnerable ages. The cumulative effect of three consecutive years of frustration, discouragement, and failure produced intentionally by Common Core testing should not be underestimated. Only the most resilient children will emerge from these testing experiences psychologically unscathed, leaving the majority irreparably damaged.
What kind of society uses tests to wage war on it’s children?
LikeLike
You are my hero. You have articulated all of my deep feelings about this travesty called Common Core. My daughter is suffering because of what I let her go through in March with the 10 hours of testing and the months of test prep. The sheer ambiguity and trickery of the questions were highly damaging. The school in St Johns County FL threatened me with a truancy officer….I now wish that I had taken that challenge and had not been pushed or swayed by the threat.
Your words are so powerful, and I cannot thank you enough for your truth and bravery. Bless you! I wish my daughter ha a teacher like you. Our elementary school seems to be full of teachers who are in fear and refuse to express any remorse.
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words. Please understand that the vast majority of threats being made from the powers that be are just bluster and bluff. They have no rational argument to make, so fear and intimidation become the fall back. They lost all credibility as the curtain is finally being pulled back on the scam they have perpetrated. Hang tough, stay fierce and fearless. You have a strong moral imperative and hundreds of thousand of parents and teachers on your side.
LikeLike
Jli Hgn,
The way to combat the GAGA adminimals and their puffed up chest bluffs is to have the truth solidly on your side. Read, read and study, study. Their are many ways to do so.
Good luck and continue reading here as a start.
LikeLike
Good question: “What kind of society uses tests to wage war on it’s children?” ANSWER: The GREEDY and the BAD.
LikeLike
these are on Long Island Opt Our FB, best to Randi.
LikeLike
GO NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!
LikeLike
Who’s paying attention?
LikeLike
At least 156,000 opt out in NY
http://www.syracuse.com/schools/index.ssf/2015/04/opt-out_movement_in_state_reports_participation_more_than_doubled.html
LikeLike