CRA test is CRAZY

We have heard from numerous Tennessee parents since we posted about the CRA test. [The Constructed Response Assessment (CRA) is a state-mandated test made up of math word problems given to grades 3-12 in “preparation” for Common Core testing that will begin in 2015.]  Here is what some parents and teachers in TN said about how the CRA has affected their children and classmates: 

• I would like to send out a big congratulations to the TN Dept of Education for making a bunch of elementary kids cry at school today! Today my 3rd grader was given a state test (some kind of pre-common core evaluation) she was so over whelmed by it that she broke down crying in the middle of the test. 4 of the 19 kids in her class did the same thing and only one actually finished the four question test (it took her 45 min). The test covered things they have not even talked about in class! What 3rd grader knows how to figure AREA?!?
  The next day I meet with the superintendent to express my concerns and find out why this test was given in the first place. She told me that the test was optional for the district to give and this year they were only giving it once instead of 3 times like the previous year. The reasoning behind giving the test in the first place was to "introduce the students to this type of testing, since they have not experienced it before." I understood that but why my it so difficult? Teaching children how to take a test with material that they have not even been taught yet is like teaching a child to ride a bicycle by putting them on a morotcycle. It's just crazy! 
  I have been able to see a copy of the test my daughter took. It was insane! I let my coworkers read through it and it took them a few times reading it to even understand the questions. The questions are POORLY worded and the subject matter has not (and in some cases will not) be covered in the classroom yet.
  It is obvious from seeing the test that our TN Dept of Education is trying to set our kids up for failure! No wonder they don't want parents to see these tests, because if more parents could actually see the CRAs their child is given, there would be a mass out-crying and complete OPTING OUT!!! The scary thing about the CRA is that it's a preview to the PARCC test. We need to fight this now!
  
  
• My child took the CRA tests last year in 5th grade (we are in Shelby County, TN). She is an APEX level straight A student, but she came home crying. She was devastated that she had failed the 4 question math test. She had not been taught how to do fractions on a number line, but the teachers had to give the CRA anyway. Why waste valuable learning time, precious teacher hours, and scarce education dollars to stress children to the point of tears? This is so wrong! I opted my children out of all asessments and surveys this year. I feel sorry for the children whose parents can’t or won’t.
  

  

• My 1st grader cries most nights about being stressed about tests at school. Both girls don’t like school most of the time. This blog post is an eye opener!
  

 

• I teach first grade, and this year, we begin giving CRAs to 6 year olds. In fact, our first and second graders take their first CRAs this week. Testing is completely out of control in TN and throughout the country. Teachers have tried appealing to our counties and our state, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Parents, you have the power. We love and care about your children.. they are why we stay. But, you must stand up and take action. We will stand with you. My heart is heavy and sad for our education system and the great teachers we are losing daily. I am also looking at how long I will remain in the system.. it’s just not worth the stress. Opt out, attend Board Meetings, email the politicians, call your superintendents, vote in next year’s elections!! Bless you for speaking out. All of society will be affected, and our children’s education is at stake.
  

 
Click HERE to visit the StopTNtesting.com website to read more testimony from TN parents and teachers.
 

It is clear that the CRA test is an incredible waste of time and money, but, worst of all, it is cruel to our teachers and students. Which leaves us, once again, pondering these questions:

• Why does the DOE demand such things from our teachers?
• Why does the DOE purposely set our children up for failure?
• Why does the state legislature allow this to continue?
  
  

Please, put an end to this abusive test.  Tennessee parents & children are counting on you!  Thank you.