Attend School Board Meetings and Voice Your Concerns

Most school board meetings allow for time for open discussion of public concerns.  Ask poignant questions related to the administration and use of standardized test scores. Don't shy away if they provide replies which seem vague or over your head. If their answer doesn't make sense to you, ask for clarification.

Demand specific and simply understood answers. Remember: if it smells like a fish, it probably is.  

-- 2000

Is something Fishy?

High-Stakes Tests or Education?

Is your child exhibiting symptoms of school-related stress?

Has your child's behavior at home suddenly changed in a negative way?

Have you suddenly been told that your child has a "reading problem?"  Does that "reading problem seem to relate on how well your child will perform on the proficiency tests?

Does there seem to be an overwhelming amount of homework packets and/or worksheets coming home?

Are there excessive complaints about "timed" activities in writing and math?

Have projects and group activities been replaced by workbooks and repetitious work?

Do you see your child excited by the classroom, and the things he/she is learning?  

-- 2000

Other Ways To Get Involved

Get your message into the media
Contact your State Representative
Distribute pamphlets and information sheets
Boycott the Test
Attend school board meetings
Create and display items which identify your cause
Target parent or special interest groups
Host speaking engagements or panel discussions
Join or form a local Activist Group
Come back to communicate on our message board (It's currently off-line but will be back soon.)