THE PARCC TEST HAS SOME PARENTS UPSET; LOCAL FOOD CRITIC ON RADIO; NIGHT TO SHINE
Monday, January 26, 2015
CNBNEWS TIPS AND SNIPPETS:
By William E. Cleary Sr.
CNBNews was contacted recently by a number of parents in Bellmawr, Brooklawn and Gloucester City about the upcoming PARCC exam (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) to be given in March. The PARCC is a group of 19 states working together to develop a common set of computer-based K–12 assessments in English language arts/Literacy and math linked to the new, more rigorous Common Core State Standards (CCSS). PARCC is one of the two state consortia developing assessments aligned to the CCSS through the federal Race to the Top assessment grant program.
Some parents feel the test doesn’t have any assessment value at all. As such they don’t want their child taking the test.
The one question we keep hearing is, “What will happen to my child if he/she doesn’t take the test?”
New Jersey does not have an “opt-out” provision, but, as New Jersey State Board of Education President Mark Biedron pointed out at the January 7th State Board of Education meeting, “nobody can force a child” to take a test. Districts also cannot force a child to sit in the room with their test-taking classmates and do nothing, also known as “sit and stare.” PARCC protocol prohibits those not taking the PARCC test, including test refusers, from being in the room with students who are taking the test.
Nor can districts require that students who refuse the PARCC tests miss school on the days that their classmates are taking the PARCC tests. Districts must provide a safe alternative location for test refusers although they do not have to provide alternative content. Students refusing the PARCC tests should be able to read a book or do homework during the time that their classmates are taking the PARCC tests.
A Bellmawr parent writes, “I was wondering if you have been contacted in reference to the new PARRC testing system and the Bellmawr School district not letting parents refuse the test for their children? We have been told if we refused we must keep our kids out of school all of March and all of May. They refuse to provide an alternate place for non-testing students to be placed. Students who have learning and medical disability are NOT being accommodated! It is our rights as a parent to refuse these tests! “
We contacted the School Superintendents for the Bellmawr, Brooklawn, and Gloucester City school districts and asked what will happen with students who refuse to take the test.
Bellmawr School Superintendent Annette Castiglione said,
“The district is in the process of discussing this with the members of Bellmawr Board of Education. I am happy to share that plan with the public when the Board has finalized it. However, one of your emails referenced a statement made by one of the parents regarding the suspension of those students who have requested an opt-out. There is NO truth to the statement. The district is NOT suspending students. Not sure where that came from but it is an erroneous statement. We are still in the process of sponsoring parent information sessions. We were able to have one at the E.M. Burke School and one at Bell Oaks school, but this evening’s (Monday, January 26) session at Bellmawr Park has been postponed due to inclement weather. After each of the sessions, we have a question and answer period and that FAQ is updated as parents ask questions. That FAQ is on our District and school websites and the District Facebook page.”
Brooklawn School Superintendent Dr. John Kellmayer said,
“During the testing time Brooklawn will separate those students who refuse to test and ask that parents provide them with a book or something else to do during the time other students are taking the PARCC. If parents don’t provide them with something, we will give them a book or story to read silently but will not provide instruction.
Gloucester City School Superintendent Joseph Rafferty said,
“The State of New Jersey Department and the County Department of Education has informed us that there in not an opt-out clause or process for the PARCC test. The school district does not have to provide an alternative educational placement for students who decide not to take the state mandated test. We as a school district will follow the same process for the PARRC TEST as we did for the NJASK if a student is not present for the test they will be given the opportunity to take the make up. If they do not take the makeup then they will be reported to the DOE as not present for the test. The school district policy says that we are required to follow the DOE guidelines for assessments. The students are required to follow the guidelines also. “
There is an overabundance of information about the test at www.PARCConline.org
LOCAL FOOD CRITIC ON RADIO--Gloucester City’s Derek Timm, a.k.a The Bluejeanfoodcritic.com will be doing weekly dining reviews on the award winning Ed Hitzel "Table For One" radio show airing on 610 WIP WTEL AM Philadelphia on Saturday mornings between the hours of 10AM and 12 noon. Besides dining reviews Tim will be discussing new restaurant openings and closing, chefs arriving and leaving restaurants, new menu's, and other food related news topics for the South Jersey, Eastern Pennslyvania and Northern Delaware regions. If you have any food news you would like Tim to announce during his segment email [email protected]
NIGHT TO SHINE PROM--Liquid Church of NJ was selected by the Tim Tebow Foundation as the New Jersey host site for the upcoming nationwide Night to Shine prom for people with special needs. This event will happen in 50 different cities across the country simultaneously on Friday, February 13, 2015 from 6-9 p.m.
With a red carpet entrance and friendly paparazzi welcome, guests will be greeted by their very own buddy who will serve as their host for the evening. Guests will receive VIP treatment including flowers, hair and makeup, professional photography, food, dancing, games and more. The event will be complete with the crowning ceremony where each guest will be crowned a prom king or queen. Liquid Church, one of NJ's largest churches with locations in Morristown, Mountainside, New Brunswick and Nutley, is committed to serving individuals with special needs. Pastor Tim Lucas is the lead Pastor of Liquid Church.