Reblogged from The Atlantic
The movement to opt out of nationwide exams is gaining traction—and forcing policymakers to rethink the role of such assessments in public education.
Standardized tests have been an integral part of the American school routine since the 1970s, the protocol changing very little. Children were told to put away their books; to fill in the bubbles, with No. 2 pencils, completely; and, when the time was up, to immediately put down their writing utensils. However, those ubiquitous (and ever-dreaded) tests have evolved dramatically as of late—and deliberations over their purpose have become increasingly urgent….
…These protests could serve as a reminder that parents and students are stakeholders in education policy.
…Though the opt-out campaign began as a parent protest, in some ways it developed into a student-led movement. Read more>>