PARCC testing for Columbia High School students begins Tuesday, April 19; see the full schedule and information from Principal Elizabeth Aaron attached here as a PDF.
There are some changes to the way PARCC testing is being conducted this year; see this article for more details from Supt. Dr. John Ramos.
One significant change is that last year, the first year of PARCC testing, CHS students who were refusing — or opting out — of the test were told to report to school as usual on testing days and sit in the classroom while testing was taking place. This year, opt-out students will not report to school until after the testing window for each day is over.
NOTE: If you are planning to opt your child out, you must send a written letter to Principal Aaron at Columbia High School, 17 Parker Avenue, Maplewood,NJ 07040; the letter must be received by no later than April 15, 2016. The letter should include your child’s name and grade and a phone contact at which you can be contacted to verify that information.
“No classes will be held during testing,” said a district spokeswoman. “If a student is refusing to take the test, they should not report to CHS until after testing is over. They will not be marked absent as long as they report on time once classes begin.”
She continued, “There is no supervision for students who are refusing to participate in PARCC, and students will not be allowed into the rooms where testing is taking place unless they are taking the test.”
For elementary and middle schoolers who opt out, the district is advising them to report to school at the normal time, whether they are taking PARCC or refusing to take the test. “Attendance will be taken according to the usual routines for each school,” said the spokeswoman.
