Debate Over PAARC Test Grows In New Jersey
CAMDEN, N.J., (CBS) -- As New Jersey students gear up for a second year of PARCC testing next week, parents who are opting their kids out are becoming more visible.
Signs are popping up on laws that say "Our Family Refuses PARCC," created by New Jersey Kids and Families.
Gary Frazier and Vida Neil from Save Camden Schools were helping distribute the signs in Camden on Monday as they try to raise awareness about parents' rights to opt out.
"One of the things we want in Camden is having parents play a more vital, active role in their children's education," says Frazier. With testing set to start on April 4th the New Jersey Department of Education is trying to reassure parents about the benefits of PARCC.
Commissioner of Education David Hespe's office provided us this statement:
"Now that we're entering the second year of PARCC testing, educators and parents are seeing the benefits of PARCC. They see it's the most effective assessment tool the state has ever had, and they see how it can help improve teaching and learning in ways that our old tests never could.
The DOE also points out that the test is shorter this year with few questions and only one testing window instead of two like last year.