Tuesday, April 11, 2000
Parents keep 4th-graders home from proficiency test
The Associated Press
AKRON — In a parental backlash to the fourth-grade Ohio Proficiency Test, some parents kept their children home last month when the test was given.
The Ohio Department of Education has acknowledged the situation but has no specific number yet on how widespread the stay-home action was, the Akron Beacon Journal reported Monday.
Tammi House pulled her son, Brendan, out of elementary school before the test and has decided to let him be home-schooled.
“The children are learning a lot of nothing because they are being taught to that test,” Ms. House told the Beacon Journal.
Tests are given in grades 4,6, 9 and 12. But it is the fourth-grade exam that is drawing the most attention because of the students' age and related pressure on teachers and schools.
Critics say the fourth-grade test is too difficult. They want the test to be rewritten to be more grade-appropriate and to carry less weight. Beginning in 2001, any fourth-grader who does not pass the reading exam of the test cannot be promoted to the fifth grade.
Gov. Bob Taft is appointing a commission to evaluate the test and respond to complaints.
“The kids get the stress from the adults. I can't legislate that. I can't legislate parenting,” said Sen. Robert Gardner, Senate Education Committee chairman.
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