100,000 LI students expected to opt out of Common Core testing

<p>Common Core opponents expected about 100,000 Long Island students to opt out during the second day of testing Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 21, 2017, 7:12 PM

Updated 2,561 days ago

Share:

100,000 LI students expected to opt out of Common Core testing
Common Core opponents expected about 100,000 Long Island students to opt out during the second day of testing Tuesday.
While the tests are standardized by the state, each district handles opt-outs differently.
Outraged parents in Freeport say they sent letters telling the district their kids would opt out weeks ago, but did not hear back until Monday. That's when district officials sent a reply saying their kids had no right to opt out and would have to verbally refuse to take the test after it is put in front of them.
"You're now taking a child and telling them the decision of an adult, when they don't have the capacity to do that," says parent Howard Colton. "That in my book is blatantly illegal."
Freeport says it's been using the same letter and procedure for the past few years and that they are in compliance with state requirements.
According to the state Education Department, there is no standard on how districts have to handle refusals, leaving it up to each individual district.
News 12 obtained letters from a few different districts.
Smithtown School District wrote to parents who sent in refusals, saying "The district will respect your decision."
Bellmore-Merrick emailed parents saying that they are committed to an environment that "respects the rights of all children and parents."
In Manhasset, students that refused the test were asked to come in after it was over.
The state Education Department says it's up to parents to decide if their children should take the tests. News 12 is still waiting for an answer as to why there are no statewide standards for test refusals.


More from News 12
1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

2:29
Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

Sunny and mild Friday for the Hudson Valley; tracking rain for Saturday

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

0:35
Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

Police find evidence in burglary while investigating a domestic dispute in Monroe

0:30
Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Wake services held for the Westchester correction officer who died in Bronx River Parkway crash

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

Motorists encounter traffic delays, road closures in and around Irvington during President Joe Biden's visit

1:42
Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

Newburgh senior housing manager asks city for help protecting residents

0:25
Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

Dramatic video captures car fire in Nanuet

0:24
New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:27
Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

0:45
Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

0:21
Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze