Opt Out Letter

Posted: 
Thursday, March 29, 2018

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Over the last few years, parents of our students have become increasingly aware of the high stakes consequences associated with the ELA and Mathematics tests for grades 3 through 8. Last year, many Levittown parents opted to refuse these tests for their children at a rate of over 70%. One of the highest Opt-Out rates in Nassau County.

This movement continues to grow in Levittown and across New York State.

Presently, the New York State Education Department is in the process of creating new, appropriate learning standards (Next Generation Learning Standards). The plan is to implement and align these new standards to the grades 3-8 ELA and Mathematics tests in the spring of 2020-2021.

While it would be inappropriate for an individual teacher to advise a parent on “opting—out” of these state tests, we hope that you can use this informational letter to help you form your own decision regarding your child’s educational experience. Please refer to the links on the bottom of this letter for more information about your right to refuse the test.

The Levittown United Teachers, as well as its state affiliate NYSUT, fully supports a parent’s right to choose what is best for their children and a parent’s right to refuse the state standardized tests if the parent believes state testing is inappropriate and/or may be harmful to his or her child.

While the New York State Education Department’s overreliance on state tests creates unfortunate consequences for students, teachers, and schools, please know that we value your children as more than a test score. We look forward to continuing our dedicated partnership with you, as your child is nurtured through the Levittown School District.

Sincerely,

John F. Caulfield
President, Levittown United Teachers

Click here to download the letter.

For more information, please visit:
NYSAPE
NYUST: Opt Out Know Your Rights