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> ====== Portland, ME. After our son's first 'unlearning' experience with the NWEA in second grade, we decided to ask the school to let him be engaged in other learning activities during all standardized test times. The teachers were so proud of us - we felt very supported in our decision. The principal was supportive too. ====== > > ====== Third grade may be different - we shall see. That is when the children start high-stakes testing. We will continue to opt out. ====== about 2 weeks ago  · [|Report] > ====== @Julie - Did you write a letter? This is good news! Are you aware of other parents and their experiences? ====== > on Tuesday  · [|Report] > ====== Yes, I did. I don't know if others have done he same. I do know that a few other families in our school are contemplating writing a letter to declare there choice to opt out. I'll repost as I learn more. ====== > > ====== Sandra, have you made a decision to pursue this option or know of others in your community who have opted out? ====== on Tuesday  · [|Report] > ====== Thanks for the input. ====== > ====== I am in Florida. There are only two cases in this State I am aware of where parents tried. I am a non-educator and have no children in school, but I am a community member and taxpayer. I am concerned about the "new generation" of tests starting with preschoolers. I am also concerned about the student longitudinal database storing student data and test scores from preschool to first year of college; and the proposed regulation changes that would eliminate parental consent for sharing of this data with other governmental agencies and research organizations. SInce there is a media blackout on federal initiatives, I follow them and blog. ====== on Tuesday  · [|Report] > ====== "I am also concerned about the student longitudinal database storing student data and test scores from preschool to first year of college; and the proposed regulation changes that would eliminate parental consent for sharing of this data with other governmental agencies and research organizations." ====== > > ====== -- Sandra, I share your concern as well, seeing as Rupert Murdoch and company is trying to sell there data collection services to New York state DOE. Gak! ====== 23 hours ago  · [|Report] > ====== @Julie - If I am not mistaken, there is a challenge to that deal. I hope so! That sure stinks and I did blog about it. Frankly, there is so much, like a spider's web and nearly impossible to keep eyes in all directions. Have a great day! ======
 * [[image:https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/274966_1325651880_2835360_q.jpg link="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1325651880"]][|Julie Fitzgerald]
 * [[image:https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/187213_100002115196296_2894943_q.jpg link="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002115196296"]][|Sandra Brevard]
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--- > ====== I wrote to the coordinator for the state assessment in Maine to ask about parents opting out of the test. Here is her reply: ====== > > ====== While there are no specific opt-out provisions in the law(s), parents ====== > ====== may refuse to have their child tested. ====== about a week ago  · [|Report] > ====== This is a good report. What is the recommendation on how to refuse? A letter to the principal? ====== on Tuesday  · [|Report] > ====== Yes - that's what two parents I know are doing - just writing a letter to the principal. ====== on Wednesday  · [|Report]
 * [[image:https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/273529_1031361715_2699887_q.jpg link="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1031361715"]][|Ken Jones]
 * [[image:https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/187213_100002115196296_2894943_q.jpg link="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002115196296"]][|Sandra Brevard]
 * [[image:https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/273529_1031361715_2699887_q.jpg link="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1031361715"]][|Ken Jones]