On April 22, Strong Schools sent a letter via email to the Sumner County Board of Education asking them to take action regarding the testing debacle. Our teachers and our students deserve better.
Sumner County Board of Education
Delivered via email
Dear Board Members:
We are writing regarding the persistent failures of the TNReady test. Specifically, the most recent delay in delivery of Phase II testing materials. According to an email from Commissioner Candice McQueen, the materials will not be delivered in time to administer tests in grades 3-8 next week as planned. Additionally, there is no definitive date for delivery of these tests.
In light of problems with technology on day one of the test, delays in the shipping for Phase I, and now these delays, we are asking the Sumner County School Board to take action to provide relief to students and families from this disruptive testing schedule.
Murfreesboro City Schools discussed refusing to administer Phase II in light of problems with Phase I. Tullahoma City Schools have passed a resolution calling on the state to stop all testing for the remainder of this year. The Director of Schools in Williamson County has called this year’s TNReady test administration an “unmitigated disaster.”
While the Department of Education has appeared inflexible in the past regarding test administration, the most recent email to testing directors across the state seems to grant some leeway. Specifically, it states:
"Districts may modify their testing schedules as needed, without any prior approval or notice to the (state),”
This implies that districts have additional flexibility. Sumner County could, under this guidance, argue that the “needed change” is not administering Phase II. We are aware that field trips, instructional activities, and academic enrichment opportunities are being lost as a result of the planned change.
Additionally, the uncertainty of an unknown delivery time for the testing materials keeps students, parents, and teachers in limbo. We find this unacceptable.
We are calling on you to take immediate action to address this situation.
Sincerely,
The Strong Schools Team
Andy Spears, Executive Director Sibyl Reagan, Director of Outreach
Aimee Vance, Director of Marketing Amy Dennen, Board Member