Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) attended a press conference today held by Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R,C,I-Glenville), who has introduced legislation that will require school districts to notify parents of their choice to opt-out of Common Core testing. The legislation also prevents the state from imposing penalties on parents, students, teachers, or school districts for opting not to take Common Core tests. McDonough, along with many Assembly Minority members, has been outspoken regarding the irresponsible implementation of the Common Core standards. They have introduced the Achieving Pupil Preparedness & Launching Excellence (APPLE) Plan, which can be found at www.fixnyschools.com.

“When you’re telling teachers they can’t provide families with information on opting out of Common Core, you are taking away the power they have to know each individual student in the classroom,” McDonough said. “We are about to change that and give the power back to the teachers and parents when it comes to setting education goals.”