No matter how state education officials promote the benefits and successes of the Common Core curriculum standards, it remains controversial. And a new lawsuit by New York State United Teachers probably won’t ease those concerns. The union that represents most of the state’s teachers says that the state is stepping on the First Amendment rights of teachers by prohibiting them from discussing the standardized test questions.
The lawsuit was filed by five teachers — four from the Spencerport Central School District. The suit stems in part from the “Stand with Spencerport” petition against the Common Core and standardized testing. By last June, the petition, which included a letter to the State Education Department, had 5,500 signatures demanding accountability and transparency concerning the administration and scoring of state assessments in English and Math for grades 3-8.
The results of these tests are factored into the professional evaluations of New York’s teachers.
The SED initially resisted revealing test questions, but eventually caved to pressure. But teachers were ordered not to discuss the questions. They could face disciplinary action if they are caught criticizing or voicing their concerns about test questions.
Many teachers say that the state’s “gag order” is a way to suppress any further embarrassment for the bungled roll out of Common Core. (Some of the questions on the first batch of tests drew considerable public criticism.)
“This is related to the main issue, which is whether teachers should be evaluated on these tests,” says Adam Urbanski, president of the Rochester Teachers Association. “Is it fair to evaluate teachers on tests that they can’t see or discuss?”
Urbanski says that the state’s actions raise red flags.
“Why did they have so much concern about revealing the tests?” he says. “Is this a form of secrecy to cover something up?”
This article appears in Oct 8-14, 2014.
Possibly the best and most thoroughly researched anti-Common Core presentation to date. [54 minute video]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5w4xD7nzLD8&feature=youtu.be
The entire common core and testing was put in our schools behind the backs of parents, so you have to ask your self why? We see the damage done from common core and insane testing every day. I am thankful many teachers are standing against common core and testing in our state.
The official claim of common core is that the purpose of this massive testing is so that teachers, parents and students can see where students are falling short and get immediate intervention where needed. But the tests cannot be seen ? Then what in the world is the purpose of the test? I would really like to know the answer to that question.
They cannot release test questions due to “test security “.
Which means students cannot view their tests to see where they went wrong. Which means students cannot learn a single thing from these tests. And as a parent- you have no idea where your student is string and where they are weak. Remember when you brought your tests home and your parents sat down at the dining room table and went over it with you ? Remember that. “Aha ” moment when you realized what you’d done wrong- and how to do it right?
Those days are gone. No viewing the test. No learning from your mistakes. No ability for parents to participate and help their kids. God help am education system that completely removes parents playing a role in teaching their kids. The disregard for the benefit of involved parents is nothing short of mind blowing.
I love how common core boasts that the system will now equalize education “regardless of the zip code”. At least on this front common core pushers actually are telling the truth: Now every child, regardless of where they live, is left to their own devices. Now NO child has the benefit of involved parents.