Without comprehensive numbers statewide, it’s difficult to tell whether recent anecdotes of students opting out of new standardized tests in a few districts point to a significant problem.
Is the number of students refusing to take the PARCC tests, which stands for Partnership of Readiness for College and Careers, enough to jeopardize the usefulness of the tests themselves?
If that were true, the opt-out movement might celebrate, but it in fact would be a sad day as it would undermine the state’s ability to track and compare student progress.
The way to handle growing concerns about testing is through legislation, not by encouraging students to opt out. And that is why the legislature is taking up the matter by considering the findings of a testing task force.
The state could streamline required testing without undermining key tests and ruining the accountability framework.
In the meantime, we would hope parents and educators would encourage students to take the PARCC assessments.
As Colorado Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia said in a statement, the tests are important in gauging how students are doing in achieving the high goals the state has set.
“We’re all working to make sure that Colorado’s schools are inclusive and provide a world-class education for every student,” he said. “These assessments help us to see if we are meeting the high standards we have set for ourselves in Colorado. Opting out just makes this work harder.”
High opt-out rates could have broader repercussions, too. If test participation falls below 95 percent, districts could face consequences. It could also the agreement Colorado negotiated with the federal government so the state did not have to meet draconian requirements of the No Child Left Behind federal accountability law.
There are important reasons for Colorado students to take the PARCC tests being administered in schools now, and those in position to influence students should keep in mind that accountability is crucial to improving achievement.
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