Lupinacci Weighs In On Common Core Testing

This week, grade schools across New York continued to test their students as they rolled out the Mathematics portion of the state’s Common Core standardized tests. Last week, the state proceeded with the much debated Common Core testing by giving the English Language Arts portion – only to be met by mid-exam opt-outs, testing errors or complete testing refusals.

“Last week is a perfect example of why these broad and overbearing tests will not work,” said Lupinacci. “Not only do you have parents and students opting out of taking these tests entirely, but the students that do participate are being handed faulty exams. It has really been a poorly implemented plan which should be amended.”

Last year, it was reported that nearly 20 percent of students eligible for the state English Language Arts and Mathematics testing refused to take the state exams.

“It is unfortunate that the state decided to go ahead with its Common Core testing,” said Lupinacci. “My colleagues and I in the Assembly Minority Conference continue to be the only state legislators who have called for a moratorium on these exams. It is my fear that these exams will do more harm than good to these young and impressionable students.”

Lupinacci sponsors legislation that would amend the current Common Core standardized testing and require the Commissioner of Education to post all Common Core and other state examinations online, providing parents, students and teachers material to study from.

“Assembly Bill 2245-A will provide some study guidelines for those having to take these exams,” said Lupinacci. “Ending Common Core testing won’t happen overnight, so while we work to stop this form of over-testing, I want to provide assistance to the parties involved and ensure they have materials from which to practice.”