Schools

Wantagh Mother Blasts NYS Common Core Testing

Colleen Napoli blasts controversial assessments that began this week during Wednesday's Levittown Board of Education meeting.

Story by Steven Nicastro

The mandated New York State (NYS) tests in English and Math are creating a large emotional and physical toll for students, parents and teachers, Wantagh resident Colleen Napoli said during Wednesday night’s Levittown Board of Education meeting.

School districts across the state began administering NYS assessments for grades 3-8 on Tuesday, April 16, as mandated by the “No Child Left Behind Act.”  

Results of the tests will be used to measure and monitor school and district accountability, as well as the progress of students in English and Math and to evaluate teacher effectiveness, and will be based on new Common Core Learning Standards, the District said in a release to parents.

However, some parents, including Napoli, say that the testing is too difficult and is causing more harm than good.  

“This testing is just too much – look at the seventh grade this week.  They have this whole week of testing, next week of testing. Then science testing, their math testing, then a field test group for the next test coming up?" Napoli said.

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"Does anyone think this is crazy, with so many hours of testing in one year,” Napili added. “They are not in college – they are in seventh grade!”

Parents across Long Island have expressed concern about the testing, joining the Facebook group Long Island Opt-out. Over 8,300 members have joined the group as of Thursday, April 18.

Napoli said that other boards have adopted resolutions on behalf of their districts, saying to the state that they believe the testing is not appropropriate. Those districts include Rochester, Pleasantville, New Paltz, Westchester Putnam County, North Bellmore and Herricks, according to Napoli.

"I’ve never heard more of my friend teachers say that they are just tired of teaching. It’s not what they went into it for,” Napoli said. “My husband comes home saddeneded that one of his kids was crying today because he couldn’t finish the test… I’d like you to adopt a resolution.”

Levittown Board of Education President Michael Pappas thanked Napoli for speaking her mind.

“I can’t say that we’re going to adopt it today or at any point, but we are going to look at it. Thank you,” Pappas said.

What do you think about the Common Core NYS testing? Tell us in the comments below.  


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