Briarcliff To Vote On Measure Opposing High-Stakes Tests

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. ? A resolution calling for the repeal of "high-stakes testing" will be taken up by the Briarcliff Manor School District Board of Education at its regular meeting Monday night.

Superintendent Neal Miller, right, and the Briarcliff Board of Education will discuss and vote on a resolution that urges the current system of standardized testing in schools be changed.
Photo Credit: *The Daily Voice File Photo*

by Robert Michelin

02/25/2013 2:30 p.m.

The resolution ask federal and state lawmakers to examine the current standardized testing system and create a new system that better supports student learning.

"It is widely recognized that standardized testing is an inadequate and often unreliable measure of both student learning and educator effectiveness," the resolution states. "The over-emphasis on standardized testing has caused considerable collateral damage in too many schools, including narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, reducing love of learning, pushing students out of school, driving excellent teachers out of the profession, and undermining school climate."

Briarcliff Manor Superintendent Neal Miller declined to comment on the resolution Monday until the board decides whether or not to approve it.

In early January, the Pleasantville Union Free School District passed an identical resolution. The Pleasantville Board of Education surveyed parents and community members and said roughly 75 percent approved the measure.

The resolution can be found on the Briarcliff Manor School District website. The Board of Education's Monday night meeting begins at 8 in the Briarcliff Middle School auditorium.

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