STAAR Testing - Anyone Opted Their Kids Out of Taking It?

[Sackett]

I am strongly considering opting our daughter out of STAAR testing. There are many things wrong with not only the standardized test but also the vast amount of time spent teaching to the test rather than the curriculum. I'd like to hear experiences from those that have opted their child out and if so what grades were they in and did you see any repercussions for doing so?

[gingib]

Taking them out of the test will not prevent them from preparing for it and using class time for this. Might as well keep them in it, as class time will be spent on preparing and using relative practice for the Test

[Mudslinger]

Might want to read this before you do.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2016/05/26/hate-the-staar-test-opting-out-is-possible-but-not-easy

[rvd]

I am strongly considering opting our daughter out of STAAR testing. There are many things wrong with not only the standardized test but also the vast amount of time spent teaching to the test rather than the curriculum. I'd like to hear experiences from those that have opted their child out and if so what grades were they in and did you see any repercussions for doing so?

What grade is she in?

[glen]

Nope- As much as I don’t like it my kid is going to prepare and take the test just like every other student. No way I would have my kid “labeled” as a pain to deal with and risk messing up a chance at some schools for his next level of education.

[Kevin]

Is she the type that freaks / stresses hard during test time? I remember some kids were a wreck and others it was just another test.

I didn’t even know you could opt out. They do have a lot of accommodation for kids that have difficulty. I know of one that could use a calculator during the test.

[JHT]

If you do a little digging you will find the STAAR testing has nothing to do with the education of our kids.

It is all about money.

The whole theory for the testing was to get the kids more prepared for college. All of the research has proven this is false and in fact has had a negative effect but look at the contracts our state with these "testing" companies will show you they don't really care.

[DamonJ]

My kids take it.

I will not be able to opt them out of real life challenges.. JMHO

[glen]

To me I just don’t want someone doing a background on my kid and a teacher express that they were one of the kids that pushed the envelope or was a distraction in any way. I don’t like the testing or the way teachers have to teach to the test but it is what it is

[Shake N' Bake]

I asked this question a few years ago and got hammered with snarky remarks and judgment.

[Rwc]

Go read the latest Texas Monthly Article regarding the STARR test, it will make you scratch your head a little. And to be clear, I am not for our current method of testing!!!

To the OP, no the wife nor I have ever withheld any of our children from taking it, but I have sat down with there principles, ARD director and student placement advisor and assured them that my kids would not be held back do to a state derived subpar score on the very poor thought out state test!

In my opinion, you can not use the same test for every kid as if they all learn at the same pace.

Rwc

[WItoTX]

My kids take it.

I will not be able to opt them out of real life challenges.. JMHO

My step mom is a teacher, hated giving standardized tests, fought against them, and said something similar to me and all her students. Pretty solid advice.

[Rwc]

If you do a little digging you will find the STAAR testing has nothing to do with the education of our kids.

It is all about money.

The whole theory for the testing was to get the kids more prepared for college. All of the research has proven this is false and in fact has had a negative effect but look at the contracts our state with these "testing" companies will show you they don't really care.

And sir, you do not have to dig to deep to find a pattern of financial stupidity regarding the "testing" companies and data tested on..........

This subject sure gets my blood pressure up. ha ha

Rwc

[Atfulldraw]

To me I just don’t want someone doing a background on my kid and a teacher express that they were one of the kids that pushed the envelope or was a distraction in any way. I don’t like the testing or the way teachers have to teach to the test but it is what it is

Wouldn’t this be on the parents background check?

I’m not scared of the state.

F them and their horse.

Ironically, if more people stood up, we wouldn’t have this problem.....

[Rush2Judge]

My boys are out now but they did not opt out. It's just a test. I never even considered having them not take it.