BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A survey being sent to parents of students at several schools in Boca Raton and Wellington is “poorly worded” and “just plain wrong,” according to a school district official speaking with BocaNewsNow.com.
The survey suggests that parents can opt their children out of the upcoming FSA tests — the Florida Standards Assessment — now scheduled for late April and May. The tests, controversial in any year, are exceptionally controversial this year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is requiring all students to take the test in-person, in school. That includes children who are learning from home during COVID-19.
The survey is using this language:
“Please click on the link below to acknowledge whether your child will or will not return to campus to complete their state assessment opportunity.”
That suggests it’s an option. It’s not. It’s mandatory for all students in third grade and higher.
“That shouldn’t have been sent out,” said a school district source. “
There is significant concern that schools will not be able to socially distance children taking the tests which, for higher grades, continue for several days. While other standardized tests have had a “take at home option” which included remote monitoring, the FSA does not.
“This is going to be a super spreader event,” said an administrator contacting BocaNewsNow.com last week. “It seems we finally have COVID heading in the right direction. Forcing all of these kids back to school is going to destroy that progress.”
The Florida Department of Education confirmed to BocaNewsNow.com on Monday that there will be no “at home” option, and that mandatory really means mandatory.
