A group of teachers at the International High School at Prospect Heights refused to administer a city-mandated writing test they say is unsuitable for their students, many of whom are recent immigrants learning English.
The test, called the Measures of English Language Arts Performance Assessment, is essay-based and aligned to Common Core standards. Students took a similar test in the fall and were scheduled to take a spring version on Thursday. The results, used by the city to measure student progress, are to be used as one part of teachers’ new mandatory evaluation plan.
Thirty teachers and staff at the school have signed their names to a letter that lists objections to the test and asks schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña to allow teacher-created assessments as a replacement.
Jessica Klonsky, a teacher at the school, posted:
You know that test the teachers at my school refused to give last year? The city isn’t going to make any students take it this year. Coincidence? I think not.
Page 2: “NYC Performance Assessment Mandate is eliminated: NYC Performance Assessments are designed to help teachers capture instructionally valuable information about their students. Last year, they were mandated in any grades and subjects for which they were available. For 2014-2015, we have eliminated this mandate. The NYC Performance Assessments may be the right choice where assessments align with schools’ instructional priorities and strategic assessment plans. ”
Fred Klonsky 
this is so great that these teachers are taking a stand against a test that is clearly racist and discriminatory against students of color.
ILLINOIS? WHERE ARE YOU? WHILE WE ARE BEING THREATENED WITH THE UPCOMING PARCC TESTS, THE IEA IS BUSY HELPING A PENSION THIEF GET ELECTED. WHERE IS THE MOVEMENT AGAINST UNFAIR, INAPPROPRIATE TESTING AND THE CHARTERIZATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS? WHERE IS OUR UNION? ARE THEY CUTTING A BACKROOM DEAL WITH SQUEEZY ON PENSIONS? SILENCE STILL.