Thank you LG
-------------------------
{Superintendent, Principal, Teacher(s) };
We can't thank you
enough for all that you do for our children. { } years later, we are
still delighted with our original decision to send {Thing 1} and {Thing
2} to {School}. The education they have received has been, by and
large, thoughtful, intentional, and commensurate with their abilities.
Thank you for this!
We are writing on behalf of {the girls} to
refuse the state standardized test, any and all field tests, and
state-issued teacher evaluation pre-tests. While we have no issue with
properly written tests that assess their knowledge, we no longer feel
that they should sit exams which are selected outside the classroom or
related to their teachers' continuing employment. We believe that such
tests create stress levels inappropriate for children of any age.
Regarding the state test, we respectfully direct your attention to the
NYS Student Information Repository System (SIRS) Manual[1], which
directs that our children be scored as a "refusal," with a final score
of "999" and a standard achieved code of "96," on ELA, Math, and (if
appropriate) Science. Please note that a "refusal" is not the same as
"absent" as they are defined differently and scored with different
standard achieved codes[1]. Also note that "The makeup dates are to be
used for administering makeup tests to students who were 'ABSENT' during
the designated administration dates."[2] Children scored as "refusal"
rather than "absent" should continue their education in the regular
classroom environment during the administration of makeup test periods.
We are reserving the option of removing our children from school during
the test administration session depending on the emotional state of our
children on the day of refusal.
Regarding state tests, field
tests, and teacher evaluation pre-tests, we would ask that, if possible,
the school please provide an alternative activity for our children, as
well as others who are refusing the tests, during administrative
sessions of testing. We are willing to partner with the school to find
appropriate activities that will not exert undue stress on the teacher
and/or classroom. We understand that an alternate activity is not
required on the part of the school. If you are unable to accommodate an
alternate activity for our children we would ask that you please utilize
the provision of the Educator Guide which explains "... that student
may be permitted to read silently."[3]
Please understand that
this refusal is in no way a reflection on the school district,
administration, staff, or teachers. Our purpose in sending this letter
is to provide a written record of our family’s refusal request, should
it be needed. Thank you again for all you do!
Sincerely,
{Dad} {Mom}
[1] NYS Student Information Repository System (SIRS) Manual, page 63.
[2] 2013 Edition School Administrator's Manual, page 25.
[3] NYS Educator Guide to the 2014 Common Core English Language Arts Test (page 9) (ELA) and Mathematics(page7)