“The State Education Department reported yesterday that 20 percent of students between grades 3 and 8 opted out of taking the high-stakes state testing. The opt-out movement is one I’m proud to be part of as we attempt to take control of our classrooms away from unaccountable bureaucrats in Albany and Washington D.C. and bring that power back to local teachers, parents and boards of education. The Common Core high-stakes testing model has failed, and the people are putting pressure on their government to fix it. I hear you all loud and clear and am supporting legislation like the Common Core Parental Refusal Act (A.6025) and the APPLE Plan (A.3656).

“This is a real grassroots movement driven by teachers, parents, children and school administrators to make education about the child learning and not about one test. We must not give up. We must continue to press for these real reforms and restore our education system to its rightful status as a leader in the nation.”

Assembly Bill 6025 has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Education where it awaits action, and Assembly Bill 3656 has been blocked in the Education Committee by the Assembly Majority despite having bipartisan support.