Standardized testing is no longer a valid measure of student learning. It has become an institution unto itself—created to unfairly evaluate teachers, punish schools, and create business opportunities for investors. The tests drive the current “reform” movement in public schools, which has nothing to do with preparing our kids for life and success.
Race to the Top infused a whole new nightmare into our public schools, and privatization groups, like Jeb Bush’s ironically named "Foundation for Excellence in Education," have taken it all and gone full-sprint. Thanks to Jeb’s foundation, and the cash they generously raised, our governor was happy to hire Florida’s former Education Secretary to “reform” New Mexico’s schools. Unfortunately, Hanna Skandera brought the total package with her from Florida, and it’s hurting our schools, our teachers, and—most importantly—our children.
Santa Fe and the Public Education Department aren’t listening to teachers and they are battling the unions. Now, it’s our turn—the parents. No one has a bigger stake in this than we do. We have the power and the responsibility to stop these reforms before they do more damage, before they do irreversible damage.
New Mexico parents must use our love for our kids and our power as citizens. We must boycott the increasing numbers of meaningless and crushing tests, which do nothing for our children and only hurt their schools.
Join NM Refuse the Test on Facebook and attend an information and discussion forum in your area. Find more information and get involved at http://nmrefuse.weebly.com
Responses to “New Mexico Parents, Refuse the State Tests”