As we sit through yet another rainy weekend I wonder where the sun is? Turns out this is nowhere near a record breaking rainfall year. That distinction belongs to 2017 where over 68 inches
Stop The High Stakes
Dated: 11/18/2014
Views: 1389
As the school year forges on, high stakes testing remains a constant topic of discussion. Across New York State, students, educators and parents continue to struggle with Common Core. Opposition to the standards continues to grow right alongside looming PARCC and field testing. So, I beg the question, have our state officials somehow forgotten that they are public servants? Our school districts are drowning in oceans of testing and the latest news we receive is talk of mandatory field testing? I view this as a slap in the face. What happened to advocating for the children?
Why are NYS officials making decisions that hurt students and aim to benefit huge corporations like Pearson? The state education department cannot require students to participate in field testing for the benefit of Pearson. Students cannot be forced to volunteer. People normally get paid for participation. I reject Ken Wagner's recent statements which attempt to explain the importance of district participation. I actually find it mind blowing. Our students should be mandated to take a test that tests the tests. Yes, that's right. Districts should have their students do so for free, so Pearson can use the data to make their tests supposedly better. Really?
I say this: Preserve the countless hours of lost classroom instruction and make some different decisions. Let's see some real policies implemented that will serve our students and teachers well. We need policies that drastically reduce testing. Oh and by the way, for those who are doubting, it is very high stakes. Imagine the enormous amount of pressure that is being placed on students, especially our younger ones and our Special Education population. It's very sad indeed. Help protect today's students and refuse to participate in field testing and high stakes testing. Unfortunately, this seems to be the most prevalent way to send the message loud and clear to our education department.
Suzanne D. Coyle
A lifelong Rockland County resident, I am excited to be a part of Wright Brothers Real Estate in beautiful downtown Nyack. My husband and I reside in New City, where we are raising our three daughters....
Latest Blog Posts
Do not miss the 7th Nyack Film Festival this weekend! Screening local independent short as well as feature films for four days. For a schedule and to buy tickets in advance, please visit
The historic Saratoga race track is worth the scenic ride form Nyack. It is a beautiful venue filled with pageantry during the brief racing season. Considered the oldest sporting venue in America,
After 2 years of waiting, construction of the walking/cycling path across the Tappan Zee Bridge is about to begin. It appears that several changes will also be made for motorized vehicle
The data relating to real estate for sale or lease on this web site comes in part from HGMLS. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Wright Bros. Real Estate are marked with the HGMLS logo or an abbreviated logo and detailed information about them includes the name of the listing broker.
The information appearing herein has not been verified by the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service, Inc. or the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Inc. or by any individual(s) who may
