Parents, students revolt against standardized tests

SNOHOMISH, Wash. — Backed by their parents, hundreds of students in the North Sound are refusing to take standardized tests, and the boycott is getting the attention of lawmakers in Olympia.

The Measurement of Student Progress test for third- to eighth-graders covers math, science, reading and writing.

Many school districts, such as Snohomish, have students take it online.

According to KIRO 7’s news partner The Herald, a group of parents has organized, claiming the tests aren't worth the money the state spends on them. They want assessment tests that are more efficient and cost-effective.

The Measurement of Student Progress costs between $30 and $90 per student, depending on the grade level.  The state reportedly spends more than $38 million each year on the tests, and with lawmakers cutting funding for primary education in recent years, the parent group wants the tests to go.

The Herald reports that more than 550 students have refused to take the test this year.  Last year, only 12 students missed the standardized test.

The parent group has met with a handful of representatives, and they're considering expanding their boycott to other local school districts before the school year ends.

KIRO