Field Tests

Computer-based stand-alone field testing starts next week, with paper testing following a week later. (Exact dates vary by school.) Check this chart to see whether any grades in your NYC school have been slated for field tests. If they have, you can: 

(a) ask your principal to refuse giving them--there are principals who send the boxes of field tests back unopened year after year or

(b) send in a note saying you refuse to let your child participate (and let other parents know to do the same)

Why? Stand-alone field tests are a further waste of our children's time. They are not very good at determining item difficulty, plus our children are not being compensated for what is essentially product research. There are already field test items embedded in the actual spring tests; that should be sufficient.