Opt-outs continue to slide on math tests

The first day of statewide math testing Tuesday provided another sign that the opt-out movement – at least in the Capital Region – is losing momentum while still maintaining strongholds of support.

The opt-out rates on the first day of math testing dipped at all 15 school districts that reported the rates to Daily Gazette by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

But even as the testing participation ticks up across districts, not all parents are buying into testing changes promoted by state officials – changes that reduced the number of questions and lifted time limits but didn’t reduce the number of testing days.

In the Mohonasen Central School District, still more than half of parents refused the tests on behalf of their children. In Scotia-Glenville schools, nearly 35 percent of students refused the tests, down from 39 percent last year. In Waterford-Halfmoon schools, 39 percent of students opted out on Tuesday, compared to 43 percent the year before.

Educators frequently say they need to do a better job of communicating to parents that ways in which the test has been changed to address concerns and how districts use the testing data to improve curriculum and classroom practices.

“Removing time limits, shortening the exams, and disconnecting the assessments from the teacher evaluation system are all great steps in the right direction,” Waterford school Superintendent Patrick Pomerville said by email Tuesday. “Parents need to see the connection on how this assessment data can improve the educational programs at the district level.”