Last week Assemblyman James Brennan (D-Brooklyn) announced the passage of comprehensive legislation to delay the implementation of high stakes testing related to the Common Core in determining teacher effectiveness and student placements.
The bill (A.8929) would prohibit New York State English and Math Common Core assessments from being a factor in determining teacher effectiveness and student placement for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. The bill also protects student privacy by prohibiting the State Education Department from sharing student data with outside vendors until July 1, 2015.
In an effort to secure Race to the Top Funds, the Board of Regents adopted the Common Core learning standards and established a teacher evaluation system referred to as the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR). The APPR legislation established an assessment system for teachers and principals that utilized student test score data in determining effectiveness ratings. In the spring of 2013 student test scores dropped significantly after taking the common core aligned assessments.
“This evaluation system has extremely serious consequences for students, teachers and principals. We must make sure such a system is accurate, effective and trustworthy. Amid the confusion surrounding the roll out of the Common Core, this bill provides crucial time for students and teachers to adequately prepare for the new standards,” Brennan said.
The bill directs the Regents and the State Education Department to provide for support to school administrators, teachers and students with the appropriate resources to successfully transition. In addition to prohibiting tests scores on state exams from being a factor in teacher’s APPR effectiveness, the bill prohibits school districts from making promotion or placement decisions for students based solely on these scores.
This legislation would also protect the privacy of students by prohibiting the State Education Department from sharing data with third party vendors until 2015. Parents will have the choice to opt out of disclosing students’ information entirely. The bill also bans high stakes testing in grades K-2 and directs the regents to eliminate the use of field questions, which will result in reducing the length of the exams as well as the time required to take them.
Let's join NYS Assemblyman Brennan and urge the Senate to pass A.8929 and send it to the Governor!
