Parents who refuse to have their children take the mandated state tests are up in arms over the 'Sit and Stare' policy being implemented in some schools. Students who don't take the exams have to sit in the classroom, without books or homework and do nothing.

Central Valley is among the schools involved in the 'Sit & Stare' policy and parents are speaking out, creating 'United to Counter the Core' Facebook page to show their opposition.


SPECIAL MENTIONThis school is making kids WITH REFUSALS ON FILE sit for a minimum of 30 minutes with the test in front...

Posted by United to Counter the Core on Monday, April 6, 2015

 
Some parents feel the 'Sit and Stare' policy is "cruel treatment and abusive for a school district to punish children because parents have advocated for them. We are demanding school districts accommodate children by providing an alternate location where they can read, study or perform activities that aid in their education."

Carole Franklin, who's daughter attends Central Valley, is among the parents upset over the policy. "My child was told she had to sit with test in front of her and not to touch it for a half hour. It's abusive and sends a message to children that parents don't have a right to refuse."

Central Valley Superintendent Rich Hughes posted a message on Central Valley's website saying, "The students will be able to read quietly. This is a compromise when schools are well within the regulations to not allow students to have an alternate activity during the entire time of testing."

While NYSED has remained vague about how schools should handle student test refusal, there is no regulation requiring a student to 'sit and stare' or provide a verbal refusal. The NYC Department of Education states 'any child refusing to take the test can read or finish other work.'

NYC Department of Education
NYC Department of Education
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Not all school districts are implementing the controversial policy.



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