The “Opt Out” Movement, as supporters are calling it, said taking these standardized tests are just a big waste of time. The purpose of these tests are so schools can properly evaluate how their teachers and students are performing, but the Monroe County Federation of Teachers met to complain about them. The group said these tests are too long and there isn’t any substantial evidence of “real changes” to the schools themselves as a result of taking these exams. In addition, they said results are released too late for parents and students to learn from them. 

The President of the Monroe County Federation of Teachers expects 30% of students to opt-out next week in Monroe County. 

Scott Steinberg, President of the West Irondequoit Teachers Association, said he doesn’t want to see the test get completely tossed, but changes that would make it more suitable for everyone involved. “We’ve been asking for changes to the length of the test, the number of days tested, the information provided, how the test is used, but as long as it continues to be tied to school accountability and to really punishing students, that trust isn’t going to be there.”

On the contrary, a group called High Achievement New York is launching a campaign called “Yes to the Test.” The campaign is expected to emphasize the importance of parents opting their children in to the tests. The group will be joined by local teachers, parents and members of the Rochester Urban League.