Testing Testing: Opting Out Is 'Trendy,' But Is It Fair?

Standardized testing begins this week for students in grades 3 through 8, who will be taking ELA (English Language Arts), starting on Tuesday. The math exams begin next week.

And as testing season begins so does the familiar battle between those parents who opt in for the test and those who have chosen to opt out.

Last year, 20 percent of students across the state opted out, mostly in schools serving wealthy families. This year leaders of the opt out movement are trying to reach a broader demographic. 

Tenicka Boyd, senior Director of Organizing for StudentsFirstNY who is also a public school parent, called in to explain why she wants children to take the test: "The test is a way to check in and see how the system is serving our students, specifically students of color." Tenicka called the opt out movement "trendy," especially in wealthier neighborhoods like "Park Slope," where kids are getting a reliable education.   

And parents call in to discuss whether they've decided to opt out or in. 

@BrianLehrer @NYCCouncil @HelenRosenthal Access to a high performing school with high standards should be in the parents bill of rights.

— Tenicka Boyd (@TenickaBoyd) April 4, 2016