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Thousands of students opt out of Common Core tests

By LIZ DAHLEM, (Fox 5, New York) Common Core is new for everyone: students, parents, and teachers. Students in 3rd through 8th grades just ended the first of a ...

By LIZ DAHLEM, (Fox 5, New York)

Common Core is new for everyone: students, parents, and teachers. Students in 3rd through 8th grades just ended the first of a three-day testing period. Many parents at Woodland Middle School in East Meadow, Long Island, are so upset but the implementation of the Common Core, they’re pulling their kids out of the exams.Some schools across the state, including Woodland, have implemented a “sit and stare policy.” If students don’t take the test, they have to wait quietly at their desks until others are finished.”I don’t want to say I had them take the test because it’s a good idea but I didn’t think the other option of having them sit there and do nothing is the right thing to do,” said Lilian Zaradich, a parent.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has supported tougher testing standards, but he along with the state legislature made changes to common core in the recently approved budget.

“The tests from Common Core will not count on the transcript,” Cuomo said. “So the student will sit for the test but it will be practice for the student and the scores themselves will not be on any transcript.”

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who is running for governor, stirred up controversy on his website, saying his three children won’t take the new tests.

“Every child is different, and teachers must be allowed to use their skills to help each child reach his or her potential,” the Republican said. “In education, one size doesn’t fit all.”

One other change since the budget approval, kindergarten, first and second graders will not be tested.

We reached out to the Board of Regents, which is responsible for rolling out Common Core, to ask how many children took the test and how many students opted out. A spokesperson said the board won’t know until the tests are submitted.

Here is where our state stands with the Common Core.

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