state testing !!!

[Super_Mom]

What are my rights when it comes to testing? My son who is ADHD and is struggling was told that this year he needs to be testing. I don't agree with this and i don't know my rights. according to the school and the district this is something he needs to take its not optional and I'm not able to opt him out.

[BTV65]

That sounds right to me. There are various times/circumstances that require the school to test students to evaluate them. Often times, they also have no say in the matter and it has been set as a policy at the state or district level. Heck, there may be federal guidelines for some of this as well.

I'm not trying to pick a fight, but I'm just curious. Why would you not want more information about your son? More knowledge makes for better decisions.

[Super_Mom in reply to BTV65]

I just feel like he’s 9years old in the 3rd grade, still extremely struggling with reading and math in the 1st grade level. I don’t think he will understand the test , it’s not on his intellect level it’s on a 3rd grade level. And he’s yet to learn 3rd grade level work if he’s still doing 1st grade materials.

[BTV65 in reply to Super_Mom]

Is this standardized testing? Something given across the district or state? If it is, then the school really has no say in the matter. They often will be penalized if any student doesn't participate. Yes, there are exceptions in very extreme situations. In my experience the tests reflect more on the schools than the do on the students. It allows the state to determine if school districts are doing a good job teaching the material they are required to teach. At a more granular level it allows the schools to figure out which students are struggling to access the material and get them help moving forward. It is in their best interest to help every student succeed. It reflects poorly on the school if students do poorly.

My apologies about the confusion. From your initial post I thought you were talking about "testing" from an evaluation perspective. Such as 504 testing or IEP testing.

[Super_Mom in reply to BTV65]

Sorry for the confusion, I just feel he taking a state exam because of course it’s more of a funding and political aspects, but he will be totally lost, academically he is no where near 3grade level. I’m just overwhelmed that he has to take an exam that he knows nothing about.

[BTV65 in reply to Super_Mom]

I'm not sure about funding. I hadn't really heard of that as a reason before. At least not in my state. Political? I suppose, from the standpoint that politicians made laws many years ago (likely following the no-child-left-behind federal law that Bush Jr signed as President). I really don't see the testing benefitting any particular political party. Most citizens do want what is best for our kids and want there to be some way to measure how effective our education system is working. As usual though, high level decisions often are not always best at more granular levels. There isn't much harm in taking a test you don't know much about. As long as you aren't going to be penalized at an individual level for doing poorly. Kids often see what's going on around them. You son is likely fully aware that his skills in those areas are behind that of his peers. Take the time to explain it to him and let him know that you just want him try his best and you'll be proud of him no matter what the final score is. Sometimes the point is just to go through the motions.

BTW, part of the standardized test taking at this young age is just to get them used to it.

[Onthemove1971]

Put in writing that you do not want him tested and drop the letter off to the school principal and a copy for the person who manages his IEP. In spring when testing happens he will be assigned to an area for kids that are not testing.

[Super_Mom in reply to Onthemove1971]

I tried to request that he dose not get tested but they said by law he has to be tested.

[BTV65 in reply to Super_Mom]

Same here. You can't just opt out. There are extreme situations that allow a student to be excluded, but it's not just a simple request.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to BTV65]

In the school distict I work in you can. Trust me. Children who have an IEP have reasons to not test.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Super_Mom]

Have you spoken the to person who writes his IEP? What state are you in?

[Super_Mom in reply to Onthemove1971]

I tried and they said i cant opt him out, its a Jersey law that all kids have to take states testing starting 3rd grade.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to Super_Mom]

In doing so research about NJ., it sounds like there will.be no testing this school year so you have a while to deal with this. Maybe the conversation should be what alternative options do you have for your son. They may offer an alternative activity.

Good luck.

[BTV65 in reply to Onthemove1971]

We didn't have an IEP, but a 504 which gave him accommodations during testing. MA here. Also not all IEPs are the same and not all kids on IEPs need to opt out. Some are perfectly fine taking the tests, even if they don't perform as well as their peers.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to BTV65]

Of course.. I am very involved in this type of thing. But in our district any parent can opt out. Yes, you are correct the school/distict needs and wants kids to test. But as a parent concerns needs to be addressed. Testing is a big concern for many families and some decide to pull their kids from public school due to testing.

[Verashetland]

I thought every state allowed you to opt out but I guess not. I’m in California and all I have to do is submit a written request. I would contact your state Dept of Ed to find out if you can opt out.

[dancer2973]

My daughter has an IEP at her school that includes testing accommodations. It specifically says what they need to provide for her to make sure she is on a level playing field when it comes to state testing and any other test for that matter. She does not do state testing ntil next year, but I did want to make sure we already had something in place for that because, in my state, if they do not pass the reading portion of the test, for example, they have to keep taking int until they do, which I did not want to happen to her. I would talk to the school to see if your child may qualify for an IEP if you have not done that yet. It can take a long time to get it set up.

[BakerBirdsBees]

I think these state tests need to go away. They don’t give an accurate picture of how kids are doing. For example, my son is great at math. He his way below average on the state assessments. I don’t worry about them anymore. I tell him to just do the best he can. If he doesn’t know the answer just guess. The assessments have no weight on school grades and like my husband tells me all the time, it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things …

[BVBV in reply to BakerBirdsBees]

Same! My son does great at math in class (and that is stated by his teacher), but scores low on standardized tests. Our local public schoolis a STEM school with a rigorous curriculum.

[janeejo1]

I would request that they show you the "law". I agree with others, you always can opt out. We have opted out for my daughter. She also has Down syndrome.

[ADHD_DAD]

Hi Super_Mom. My son is now in high school, but was in the public school through middle school. What I can tell you is that this ADHD parenting journey is a marathon. Along the way, there will be many places where your strong advocacy is needed. However, unless you have unlimited time, money and energy, to avoid burn out, you need to pick your battles. For us, railing against tests which matter not one bit toward grade, advancement or success in school was not such a battle.

I will add that my son really didn't mind the testing days. There was no homework the day before the tests and no classes, other tests or quizzes and no homework on the testing days. My son's attitude was like, "no homework, no boring classes, and it doesn't count? Where do I sign up?" He actually felt a bit sorry for the "opt out" kids who had to sit quietly and read in a separate room. While this was not a consideration at the time at all, as a high school student, he recently took the PSAT and will be taking the SAT. His experience with the standardized tests in school removed all (well, almost all) anxiety over that exam. These days (thanks covid) those tests don't count anymore either at most colleges (unless you do well, in which case, it's an extra "point" for college applications). So, my advice would be to "keep your powder dry," as the saying goes, for now. There will be plenty of times when asserting his "rights" will be required. Be well.

[Super_Mom in reply to ADHD_DAD]

Thank you I totally see what your saying . He’s 9 and I think I am to hard on him when it comes to his reading and math. At times I feel like I’m going crazy because he isn’t reading or his math is so far his age that I start to overwhelm him as well. My expatiation aren’t for a child with ADHD and I need to lower my expatiation because I see myself unhealthy mentally, physically and emotionally. Thank you this is what I needed.

[ADHD_DAD]

Totally understand. The results (at least here) are sent to the parents by mail and are not shared with the child. We never shared them with him, either (good or bad).

Let me weigh in on expectations. Ignore this if perceived as unsolicited. A hallmark of ADHD is inconsistent results despite consistent effort. Therefore, my standard for my son is to do his best every day. I tell him (and I truly believe) that most people do not do their best most of the time. If his standard for himself is to always do his best, he will be not only successful, but extraordinary!! ADHD has taught him that he needs to work harder than others to achieve the same degree of success. But it has taught him to work hard! As a high school student, that effort already makes him stand out. What he did just to "survive" in elementary (and particularly middle school) makes him extraordinary (and successful) in high school. What's nice about that is that not only do I still ask him to do his best, but I can now reassure him that his best is usually good enough (just like me). Imagine how good you would feel if you knew both that you did (or are doing) your best AND that it is good enough. I am willing to bet that both things are true! Maybe this will help with your "health." For me, gratitude is powerful. I remind myself how grateful I am for my unique, quirky, son and his super fast ADHD brain! (as I side note, I bet being the parent of Einstein, Thomas Edison, the Wright brothers, and daVinci, all thought to have ADHD, was challenging). Hang in there!!

[Super_Mom in reply to ADHD_DAD]

I agree with you a million percent. I can first say that I myself struggled my entire academic life, I had to take a look back at how bad it was for me as well academically. I was never diagnosed but I know the symptoms. I know how hard it is for me to concentrate or even be consistent on a routine. I truly feel I’m burned out because I guess I’m helping us both achieve. I’m making sure the help I didn’t get as a child for succession I give to him witch I’m learning and navigating as the days and weeks and months go by. I guess I’m scared, this is my only child and I honestly don’t know what I’m doing . Some days I feel like alll this hard work I’m putting isn’t being notice . Everyone keeps telling me I need to take care of myself to care for him but I honestly don’t know how to , I find myself crying daily because I know his struggle and I don’t know how to help. I told myself I would scream at him or punish him for things that aren’t in his control. I honestly don’t know anymore.

And then I was giving this link to speak to other parents and I feel better knowing there are millions of us out there feeling the same way.

When I found out about his diagnosis and the everlasting work I will be doing, I immediately became depress and I put myself In a bubble and Distance myself from everyone because no one had to go through this with me , neither did they want to . So currently im just trying to find myself again and I guess this is my start. Talking to all these amazing parents is what helps me gain more knowledge. Because honestly this is a lifetime for myself and my son.

[ADHD_DAD]

Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you find the support you need here. You will find pragmatic, solution oriented advice and "sending warm thoughts" type of responses here. I am usually the former, but both have value. You are certainly not alone, although it often feels that way.

[chucky_00]

Hi Super_Mon,

My son has been on a IEP here in California since grade 2 and we have opted out of all state testing. Recently the school has been more persistent with their attempts to have my son attend the tests. But I always write a letter to ensure he opts out of the state testing.

My suggestion is to look at you states Dept. of education website and see where what your rights are. Schools have a habit of denying you your rights especially when it means they can receive additional funds.

[Super_Mom in reply to chucky_00]

I definitely tried to opt him out, but unfortunately I wasn’t granted, I know he’s in a private school for kids with learning disabilities, so I’m sure it’s definitely got to do with some sort of funding. Nonetheless I’m working hard with him home as well without overwhelming him, just to prepare us for the time when it approaches. I don’t want him to think of it as a passing or failing, I have been just telling him he will do just fine .

[Saphira707]

It sounds like you can't opt him out, but have you tried asking for accommodations? I'm in California and standardized testing is a requirement here as well. Even severely handicapped students have to participate. It it just different than the standard fill-in-the-bubble tests. For obvious reasons. The school may not be able, due to state law, allow your son to opt out of the test, but they may be able to provide additional support for him such as a different environment to take it in, or someone to read the questions to him out loud, etc. If he has an IEP it might be something that they can do.

[Momof4hooligans]

If they have him tested, then the test will show he has ADHD. They basically want to get him an IEP, which will provide him with resources to help him. They get funding from the government for this. Without testing, or an IEP or 504, he won't get help in the classroom. The IEP or 504 can follow him to college, which can be helpful. If you feel he doesn't need help, you can deny the IEP or 504. I chose an IEP for my son because he has Autism and ADHD, so he has a very hard time focusing on school work. I was getting tired of trying to get him to do his regular school work and homework done, after school. It was a nightmare. The IEP gave the school funding for an aide and he now has help during math and language arts. He is doing much better. His last grades were in the high 90s.