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Welcome! This page lists standardized test resistance, refusal and reform actions and events by state. These include opting out, public forums and meetings, rallies, news conferences, legislative action days, and more.

If you have an action or event to share, let us know at fairtest@fairtest.org and we will post it here.

You can use the hashtags #resistthetests and #optout2016 to post your actions on Facebook and Twitter.

"[The] refusal to participate in federally mandated testing programs likely represents a turning point in the history of assessment reform in the United States. The next few years will tell, as activists plan to dramatically increase refusals and to win policy changes in the states. Their avowed goals include less testing, an end to high-stakes uses of tests (that is, making decisions about students, educators, or schools solely or primarily on test scores), and implementation of other, educationally sound assessment practices.

for further information:                                                                 

Bob Schaeffer (239) 395-6773

                  cell (239) 699-0468

for further information

Bob Schaeffer  (239) 395-6773

             mobile  (239) 699-0468

for immediate release, Tuesday, January 5, 2016

TESTING REFORM LEADER TELLS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

“OUR  CHILDREN AND FLORIDA TAXPAYERS

DESERVE BETTER THAN POLITICALLY MANIPULATED GRADES

for further information:

Bob Schaeffer      (239) 395-6773

Lisa Guisbond      (617) 959-2371                                                          

Updated Monday, August 29, 2016

The New Federal Education Law:

A  Basis for a Stronger Testing Resistance and Assessment Reform Movement

Congress has passed the “Every Student Succeeds Act” (ESSA). This bill is the latest version of the long-standing Elementary and Secondary Education Act and replaces the universally despised “No Child Left Behind.” The new law presents both opportunities and dangers for the testing resistance and reform movement.

ESEA Reauthorization:

A New Basis to Expand High-Stakes Testing Resistance and Assessment Reform

By Monty Neill

On November 11, 2015, FairTest honored Nancy Carlsson-Paige and Lani Guinier with the Deborah W. Meier Heroes in Education award. Lani Guinier is the Bennett Boskey Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and author of The Tyranny of the Meritocracy. Nancy Carlsson-Paige is co-founder of Defending the Early Years and Professor Emerita at Lesley University.

FairTest board member Deborah Meier presented the award to Nancy. NAACP-Legal Defense and Education Fund President presented the award to Lani Guinier.

for further information:

Lisa Guisbond     (617) 959-2371

Dr. Monty Neill     (617) 477-9792