Save our Schools and The Grassroots Education Movement Circulate Petition to Allow Parents the Right to Opt Children out from High Stakes Testing

If you believe parents should be able to opt their children out from high stakes testing, please see the link to the petition being circulated by Save our Schools and The Grassroots Education Movement. The goal is more discovery and learning in our classrooms, not endless test prep.

Gregory

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Hi all,

Save our Schools is working with the Grassroots Education Movement to oppose high stakes testing. Parents in New York State, who want to have their children opt out of the standardized tests, do not have a legal right to do so. Below is a link to a petition to create that right for those who think it would be best for their children. I hope you can sign the petition and bring it to the attention of concerned parents, teachers, and taxpayers.

In recent years, New York State has expanded the use of high stakes standardized testing. We are concerned about the ever-increasing over-reliance on results from standardized tests to measure student learning. We are calling on Governor Cuomo, the State Education Department, the New York State Board of Regents, and New York's legislative leaders to develop and implement a process by which parents/guardians concerned about the impacts of testing on student learning can voluntarily opt their children out of standardized testing.

That's why the Grassroots Education Movement created a petition to The New York State House, The New York State Senate, and Governor Andrew Cuomo.


Will you sign this petition? Click here:

http://signon.org/sign/give-new-york-state-parents?source=c.em.cp&r_by=1929140

Thanks!


Rosalie Friend
Save Our Schools Information Coordinator for New York City

Education Related Discussions and Events : Oct. 12th to Oct. 15th

The following events related to education are scheduled to take place this week. The organizations sponsoring the events include, Class Size Matters, Parents Across America, Time out from Testing, DC 37 and the Grassroots Education Movement. Please do review the events planned. As the education battle intensifies, everyone should take the time to contemplate the issues and help make sure Americas youth are given the opportunity they need to succeed.

Gregory
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Wednesday, October 12th , 6:30-8:30 P.M.

Spend an evening with Dr. Yong Zhao, one of the nation’s most eloquent critics of the high cost of high stakes testing and expert on the Chinese education system. Dr. Zhao is the author of Catching Up or Leading the Way, a must read! Gain valuable insight and learn what you can do to get involved with the movement to Change the Stakes; we must stand up against standardized testing, our children are more than test scores!

Location:
I.S. 89 @ 201 Warren Street, at the West Side Highway

Sponsored by: Class Size Matters, Grassroots Education Movement, Parents Across America, Time out From Testing, and the I.S. 89 PTA.
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Friday, October 14th, 6:00-9:00

Real Reform Studios and The Grassroots Education Movement present a screening of The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman. Spend an evening with the filmmakers who will be joined by Jaime Fidler, Brooklyn teacher and star of the new film, American Teacher. Sam Anderson and Benita Rivera from The Coalition for Public Education will also speak and share details about their upcoming People's Trial (see below).

It has been one year since the release of the slick, propaganda film Waiting for Superman, come see the response film created by parents and teachers right here in New York City!

Location:
The Community Church of NY, 40 East 35th Street, between Madison and Park Avenues
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Saturday, October 15th, 9 A.M.-6 P.M.

The Coalition for Public Education will hold a public education trial. The people of NYC are gathering to hold a People’s Court where the public will tell their experiences under Mayoral Control and make plans to hold those who have propagated education crimes against our children accountable. Come to give testimony and plan next steps in the battle to end Mayoral Control and to fight for a People's Board of Education.

Location:
DC-37, 125 Barclay Street, at the Westside Highway