[View the story "Chicago teachers boycott standardized tests" on Storify ]Chicago teachers boycott standardized tests Chicago citizens propose to #ICEtheISAT Storified by AJAMStream · Tue, Mar 04 2014 14:41:23
A video clip from Monday shows several teachers explaining why they plan to boycott. One teacher said, "We want to teach, not test."
Maria Saucedo teachers discuss the ISAT boycottcarolsim1
Many used social media to express their disapproval of the test:
We have been long time opposed to standardized testing for several reasons. They are wrritten far away and do not come from the community. They are not that good. They are an imposition on the teachers and the students. They take time away from real education. They are intimidating. We do not like them or find them useful. Stand with Saucedo students parents and faculty. Stomp on standardized testing.facebook.com
.@rweingarten Says AFT is supporting the Chicago #ISAT test boycott because the test is not being used for any real purpose. #npeconferencephillip cantor
My kid #optout #isat says:"I don't think this test shows how well I learn or how good my teachers teach. I don't want to take this test".Christi Bhattacharya
First day of #icetheISAT for most. Parents and teachers across Chicago taking a stand. This genie won't go back in the bottle.Julie Fain
Late last week, Saucedo teachers
unanimously voted not to administer the test after almost a
month of planning and at the urging of parents. Solidarity rallies followed the decision:
Teachers in Chicago lead Boycott on Standardized Testingdogstar7
Rally happening right now outside Saucedo School to #IceTheISAT http://t.co/Ns6AIs5BUwIL Fed. of Teachers
Teachers at a second school, Thomas Drummond Elementary, also stated last week their
intent to participate in the boycott. It is unclear if they ultimately administered the tests.
Statement from Drummond teachers on ISAT boycott #optout #icetheISAT http://t.co/7gsvkzIB1JMore Than a Score
Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett had
encouraged teachers not to boycott, saying, "The State Certification Board may take action to revoke the certification of any employee who encourages a student to boycott the ISAT."
Several people online criticized her statement:
BBB claims ISAT must be given bc tchrs use results to "help tailor instructional planning." Really? A mood ring would be more useful.Gregory Michie
Although I respect that #CPS needs to stand up for the ISAT, BBB threatening teachers' certificates is too much. http://t.co/LQAYt3kDOkAnnisa Wanat
As of test-day, however, boycotting teachers have
resumed instruction.
Saucedo teacher Sarah Chambers said via text: Boycotting teachers are teaching Becky Schlikerman
On Monday, at least 25 parents
filed a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union to argue that the school violated their right to dictate their children's educational paths.
CPS parents have asked @ACLUofIL to investigate due process concerns tied to ISBE/CPS barriers to opting out of ISAT. http://t.co/mENCENYjvKMatt Farmer
Initially, parents opposed to the ISAT were told they would be able to opt their children out of testing. Illinois Board of Education spokeswoman Mary Fergus later modified her statement, saying students must still be present during the test even if they don't take it:
"Schools and the district must give the test to all students that are present," Fergus said. "If a student is in school on the day the test is administered, they must sit for the test with the rest of the class. They must be offered the test."chicagotribune.com
Amid the majority who supported the teachers online, at least one Twitter user disagreed with the protracted efforts by teachers to oppose the standardized test:
It's only a test. It is not the end of the world for kids to take a test. Stop over reacting or homeschool. #optout #shameful #Chicago #CPSBerrilicious
#CPS teachers that fail to administer state tests should be fired. No wonder #Chicago schools are failing kids! #shamefulBerrilicious
What do you think about standardized testing and the decision by some Chicago teachers to boycott? Leave a comment below.
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