“We spend millions of dollars in a broke school district on testing that could and should be prioritized for providing basic safety in our schools, quality personnel and supplies, extracurricular activities, art, music; science kits and lab facilities, and novel cultural projects and programs.” It was an honor to appear on Radio Times and speakContinue reading “Time, money, learning: The PSSAs strike out every time”
Category Archives: High Stakes Testing
Robin Roberts on testing, killing the joy of learning on Radio Times
We are so proud of Parents United leadership member Robin Roberts, who was a voice of sanity on “Radio Times” yesterday morning. She talked about how tests don’t measure learning, how they stifle creativity, how much time they take up, and how little they do to assist schools that are struggling. Listen to the whole interview here,Continue reading “Robin Roberts on testing, killing the joy of learning on Radio Times”
Parents are opting out of PSSA tests: Here’s why
Today’s front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer features several Parents United members including our own Robin Roberts on why her children are opting out of the PSSA tests which begin this week. By Roberts’ count, her third grader was going to spend six school days – at least 12 hours – taking state standardized tests beginning this monthContinue reading “Parents are opting out of PSSA tests: Here’s why”
Corbett’s PA: Finding more ways to punish kids
On Thursday, the IRRC voted 3-2 to implement mandatory Keystone graduation exams beginning with this year’s ninth grade class. The exams are end of course state-level tests which will determine 1) whether you pass the class; and 2) count toward graduation. A failure to pass the exams could result in our children not receiving theirContinue reading “Corbett’s PA: Finding more ways to punish kids”
School Report Cards? Not In Our Name
Like many Philadelphia public school parents, I received an email from the district two weeks ago inviting me to weigh in on a new “school report card.” This report card was billed as a tool to give parents more information to help us make better choices about our schools. However, the school report card isContinue reading “School Report Cards? Not In Our Name”
Parents United for Public Education 