Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is calling a letter written by Nancy L. Zimpher, chancellor of The State University of New York, ridiculous, and a gross misrepresentation of the current education system landscape.

“You simply cannot claim that doubling down on the failed high-stakes testing model will provide a better education for our children and hold our teachers more accountable. To suggest this is ridiculous, anyone can teach to a test. Our teachers have master’s degrees in education, Albany and federal bureaucrats do not,” Friend said. “Teaching to a test doesn’t educate the student, and it doesn’t allow teachers to improve themselves or their craft. These tests aren’t age appropriate, do not account for individualized education programs for those with developmental disabilities, nor are they returned to the teacher or students to see where deficiencies may lie. The entire system is convoluted, and as a former teacher, Chancellor Zimpher should know better.”

“The only problem New York public education has is Albany,” Friend continued. “The Board of Regents and State Education Department (SED) are continually changing the curriculum, which takes teachers out of the classroom, reducing teacher-student interaction. The Board of Regents and SED have to control themselves and let teachers teach. They’re the professionals, and they should be treated as such.”

Friend is a sponsor of Assembly Bill 6025, better known as the Common Core Parental Refusal Act, which would ensure parents know they have a right to opt their child out of the high-stakes testing. The bill also would protect the student, teacher and school from any punitive action that may be taken against them as a result of asserting this right.