Why Parents/Students Are Refusing the PARCC By Grace Becker

By Grace Becker
This week, students across New Jersey are taking the PARCC test, many of which dread. Of course, like any standardized test, students moan and groan about the approaching days of sitting at a desk for continuous hours of a test that really may have no affect on any aspects of their education. When it comes to the PARCC in particular, many students, and their parents, are refusing to take it. However, this reaction is not uncommon. Students and parents are opting out and refusing this standardized test, many of which have good reasoning. Here are a few reasons why...

1) Emotional Toll On Students- Just like any standardized test, the stress toll on students definitely is a contribution. However, this test is unlike any other due to the fact it comes in a very different format. Completing math problems on the computer while trying to graph, show work, and explain your reasoning, is one thing that does not get easier through technology. In fact, it makes it harder. Learning how to use online calculators and not being sure how to use the symbols given can be very confusing for students and increase stress while trying to complete the test.

2) Less Instructional Time In School- While schools are taking this time for the PARCC to take place, hours of education in class and quality leaning time are being thrown away. The test, taking up the majority of the morning to complete, results in the rest of the schedule being affected, causing class time to be wasted. This time can be used more effectively in the classroom learning the curriculum, instead of testing students on some topics they haven't even learned yet.

These are just two reasons why the PARCC has some major negative aspects. Of course it is up for debate and hundreds of parents across New Jersey are coming together to try and stop this form of standardized testing in their child's school. Is it really as negative as everyone makes it out to be? But is it also providing any benefit to our students either?