ARN

FairTest is part of a new Massachusetts coalition with a simple message: It's time for Governor Charlie Baker and the state legislature to make it their number one priority to reinvest $1.5 billion a year in public education, from pre-K through college, with the funding increase not attached to any additional testing.

Our public education system is a key part of what makes Massachusetts a great place to live and work. But testing overkill, combined with austerity school funding, has undermined our schools and our quality of life.

An Idaho parent has discovered this language in the Idaho Code of Laws and is using it to back her up opting her child out of testing. Others may be able to use it:

Section 32 -1010, Idaho Code (2015). Parental Rights

(1) The interests and role of parents in the care, custody and control of their children are both implicit in the concept of ordered liberty and deeply rooted in our nation's history and tradition. They are also among the unalienable rights retained by the

people under the ninth amendment to the constitution of the United States.

for further information:

Dr. Monty Neill    (617) 477-9792

Lisa Guisbond     (617) 959-2371

RESOLUTION ON HIGH-STAKES TESTING

ESEA Reauthorization:

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

By Monty Neill

for further information:                                                                 

Bob Schaeffer (239) 395-6773

                   cell (239) 699-0468

See this guide to organizing by Jeanette Deutermann, leader of the hugely successful Long Island Opt Out.

for further information:
Dr. Monty Neill     (617) 477-9792
or Bob Schaeffer  (239) 395-6773                                                         
for immediate release Monday, September 8, 2014

Executive Summary[1]

Testimony of Lisa Guisbond
Policy Analyst for the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest)
Rhode Island House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare
State of Rhode Island General Assembly

February 26, 2014

Community meetings or town halls are a great way to educate, network and organize around testing issues. Panels of speakers can inform the community about high-stakes testing and its consequences and inspire people to take action. Forums also provide opportunities to promote authentic assessment and related school reforms.