Education Commissioner Elia On A Crusade To Convince Opt-Out Schools

New York Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia visited schools in Buffalo this week to talk about the significant changes made to standardized tests. She took on a more lenient approach while addressing school administrators and parents who strongly supported the opt-out movement.

"We need to give them the voice and we need to be respectful enough to listen to them," Elia told Buffalo News. "Some people may change their mind, and some may not. I'm accepting of the fact that the most important thing is to get the word out about the changes and get that trust back."

For over a year now, school administrators and parents have been calling the tests an educational malpractice. They have vehemently disapproved of how and when the exams are being administered. Some teachers even felt the tests do not accurately reflect the child's holistic academic competency.

As a sign of protest, nearly 200,000 students between grades 3 and 8 boycotted the exams in 2015. Press Connects reported the figure accounted for 20 percent of the state's total number of eligible elementary- and middle-school students.

Some of the changes Elia spoke about include shortening the tests, breaking them down into two days apiece and giving teachers more control during the screening of test questions. She has also mandated schools to not impose time limits for math and English language tests.

"I heard from parents across this state and from teachers that part of the stresses that we had on our kids was that they were timed," said Elia. "So if they are working productively, then they will be able to continue the assessment in a setting where they can read, comprehend and respond to the questions that correspond."

Elia visited a total of 5 schools during her Buffalo crusade. She was generally well-received. However, opt-out supporters weren't too swayed by the commissioner's statements.

JoAnne Janoski, a parent of a West Seneca student, said she and other parents are all in for high educational standards, but they also want their kids to develop appropriately. The feel preparing for state assessments considerably bothers the academic year.