BOE passes a Resolution on High Stakes Testing

Though it is not as strong as the resolution proposed by the Coalition for Students Advocacy, East Williston BOE stepped up to the plate.

East Williston School District Board of Education Resolution 
on High Stakes Testing approved by the BOE 3/24/14

Whereas the East Williston School is committed to providing a 
quality public education dedicated to preparing students to 
be creative and critical thinkers who are ready for college and careers; and

Whereas the East Williston School District promotes student 
experiences that are rich in content and helps students to become confident, passionate, lifelong 
learners and engaged citizens; and

Whereas the East Williston School District believes our mission
 is not only to prepare students for college, but to help students develop the skills necessary to meet success in the changing world. We believe that our broad course of study enables students to leave East Williston with the knowledge and skills necessary for that success . District staff is dedicated to 
helping students to achieve this goal; and
 
Whereas the East Williston School District believes that districts 
must commit time, instructional knowledge, faculty talent and material costs toward educational goals of every student. 
Testing results should be utilized to inform instruction, improve programs and diagnose needs.

Resolved, that the East Williston School District requests the 
State Education Department reevaluate the implementation 
of the Regents Reform Agenda to reduce the amount of time dedicated to 
testing in
order to provide accountability without eroding the rich,
meaningful education our students have historically received in this community.


Resolved, that the East Williston School District requests 
that Governor Cuomo, Commissioner King, Chancellor Tisch, The New York State Board of Regents, Senator Flanagan, Senator Martins, Chair of the Assembly Committee of Education Nolan, Assemblywoman Schimmel, Assemblyman Ra, Assemblyman Montesano and other policy makers to all work together to improve the 
current system of student assessment and ensure the confidentiality of student data.  
Furthermore, we request that the Commissioner involve all stakeholders in the development of a revised, research based, 
age appropriate assessment program with a well thought out timeline;and

Resolved, that the East Williston School District calls on the 
U.S. Congress to overhaul the 
Elementary and Secondary Educational Act (currently known as the "No Child Left Behind Act"), reduce the testing mandates, promote multiple forms of evidence of student learning and school quality in accountability.