Seattle Schools Criticized Over Ramadan Testing Advice

SEATTLE, WA - The Washington chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is criticizing advice given to parents of Thurgood Marshall Elementary students about how to prepare for state tests that happen during Ramadan this spring.

But Seattle schools officials say that the advice was formed with input from the Muslim community, and that the district can't change the state's testing schedule.

Ramadan begins on May 5, and involves fasting between sunrise and sunset. The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) testing spans April 15 to May 24 for 5th and 8th graders, and May 3 to May 24 for 11th graders.

The district's Ramadan testing advice focuses on eating and allowing students to get enough rest so that can perform well on the WCAS tests. Studies have shown that some students perform better on tests after eating nutritious meals.

"Make sure your child is eating prior coming to school to provide enough energy for the day," one piece of advice reads.

CAIR said that it is "inappropriate for a school to suggest how children should celebrate a holiday."

"We are asking that the district and Thurgood Marshall Elementary retract their earlier statement and issue an apology and have a conversation about adequate testing accommodations for students observing Ramadan this year. We encourage them to work with us on ensuring they respect and honor the religious practices of all of their students," Washington CAIR Executive Director Masih Fouladi said in a press release.

In response, Seattle Public Schools spokesman Tim Robinson said that schools will reiterate to parents that testing times can be rearranged for students fasting during Ramadan. He also provided a document showing that the original advice was written by SPS State Testing Coordinator Will Hodges, Assessments Manager Audrey Roach, and Family Partnerships Manager Anita Koyier-Mwamba.

"An internal team, including staff who observe Ramadan, worked to provide school-based guidance on how to best support students and families during this sacred, month-long holiday," Robinson said in a statement. "The intent is for school leaders to make consideration at each school level to maximize student success, not to ask families to accommodate testing and abandon a fundamental requirement of faith."