NJ parents sound off on standardized tests

In poll results released Monday, Garden State parents made clear their displeasure with standardized tests like the controversial Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam.

More than eight in 10 parents who participated in the New Jersey Education Association-commissioned survey said they want the state legislature to pass a testing "Bill of Rights," that would include testing costs and an explanation of how the student data will be used.

"Eighty-six percent said instead of spending so much of our time focusing on passing a test, schools should be focusing on teaching kids and giving them the individual attention they deserve," said Steve Wollmer, director of communications for NJEA. "Eighty-four percent of parents said teachers are spending more and more time teaching to the test rather than teaching science, math, and the skills students need in real life."

Also in the survey, 83 percent said instead of spending millions of dollars on testing, New Jersey should spend the money to improve education in the classroom. Eighty-six percent said bureaucrats and corporations need to get out of the way and let teachers, parents, and principals teach kids.

"Eighty-three percent said standardized testing and test prep take time away from real learning," Wollmer said. "Eighty-five percent said high-stakes testing, standardized tests, place too much stress on students."

Wollmer said the Bill of Rights should also include a provision stating that student assessment results on standardized tests should not be relied upon for teacher evaluations. Testing companies would also have to disclose all political contributions. Furthermore, parents would be given control over the use of individual student assessment data.

"Our members have long understood the difference between useful assessments that help them better understand the strengths and needs of their students, and intrusive, high-stakes tests that disrupt and distort the educational process," said Wendell Steinhauer, NJEA president, in emailed comments. "We're glad to see that parents also recognize the damage that high-stakes testing is doing to students and public schools."

Under the bill, passing a statewide, standardized test would not be a requirement for student graduation, and parents would have a right to refuse to have their children participate in statewide assessments.

"Two-thirds of parents want the right to opt out," Wollmer said. "That was in early December. We're seeing a mushrooming impact through social media. There's a statewide opt-out Facebook page that has doubled in size, from 2,500 to about 5,000 people, who are following the opt-out movement. So, we have every reason to believe that number is on the rise."