Common Core testing has been a hot-button issue here in Central New York, with many parents opting their kids out of state tests in record numbers. North Syracuse alone had an average opt-out rate of 30 percent last year.[1]

It was clear we needed to do something to get the focus off testing and let teachers truly teach in a way that works for their students. That’s why I helped pass legislation to remove the mandate that state-created or administered assessments, including tests for grades 3 through 8 English Language Arts (ELA) and math, be used for teacher and principal evaluations (A.783). Forcing teachers to teach to the test or risk their jobs was a disservice to them and their students, and this reform is a win all around. Now local school districts can adopt evaluation systems that work for their schools. It also prohibits grades 3 through 8 ELA and math results from being included on a student’s permanent record.

The value of a good education can’t be overstated. It’s why I fight so hard in the Assembly to make sure our schools get their due so our kids have the world at their feet. Last year, I helped pass a budget that creates the Breakfast After the Bell initiative to ensure students can get a healthy meal after the start of the school day and protects students from lunch shaming. I also helped pass a budget last year that included a more than $8.5 million increase in aid for local school districts as well as increased funding for the Foster Youth Initiative to support foster students on their path to higher education.

Teachers help shape the way our kids see the world – they teach them to ask questions and look for answers on the page and all around them. Giving them the freedom to teach their students is key to helping our kids learn. Cookie-cutter approaches work for gingerbread men, but they don’t work for our students.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about this or any community matter, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 315-452-1115 or at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov.
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[1] syracuse.com/schools/index.ssf/2018/09/madison_county_school_district_had_highest_state_exam_opt-out_rate_in_cny.html