This year could see fewer test opt-outs

While last year saw droves of third- through eighth-grade students opt out of Common Core tests — the high-stakes exams tied to controversial guidelines —  sources at two local elementary schools expect there to be fewer opt outs this time around.

AmPark Neighborhood School Principal Christine McCourt said she has seen fewer children opt out of the tests since they began last week. The exams will continue through next week.

She said the fact that the tests are not timed this year has made some children feel more comfortable during the exams, which cover math and English language arts.

At the Spuyten Duyvil School (P.S. 24), one school source said the administration has changed procedures for how parents opt their children out of taking the exams.

That person, who did not want to give a name due to the sensitivity of the topic, said while children previously could skip the tests with a parent letter, parents now must arrange an appointment with the principal to make such arrangements.

While the source said the principal is “accessible,” that person said fewer parents have opted their children out of the exams so far this year.

While Common Core — a framework of standards aimed at improving college and career readiness — has been a part of city public schools for several years, some parents remained wary of the exams.

“I don’t know if I agree with the way curriculum is so much geared towards standardized tests. I believe that the child’s aptitude comes through in all ways,” said Charlie Kaufman, the father of a P.S. 24 student.

Last school year, about 20 percent of all public school students opted out of the Common Core tests. At the Robert J. Christen School (P.S. 81), which saw a quarter of its students opt out, one parent voiced mixed feelings.

“I do see a purpose for making sure the grades are on level and different schools are on level, but I don’t think it has to be so long and drawn out,” said Giordana Avila, the mother of a fourth grader.

Her son understands the tests are meant to prepare him for his future, she added. 

“I wish everybody would actually opt out so that we wouldn’t have to have testing like that anymore, but that’s not life and he knows that these are all practice to prepare him for life — whether he’s getting into high school, into college or graduate school — and so he feels okay with it and that’s all that matters to me,” Ms. Avila said. 

The mother said she has two other children who might not be as amenable to the high-stakes testing.

“They may be the personality that I say, ‘This might not be right for them,’ and I might opt them out,” she said.