You want to know for sure that they are able to do a good job for you so youre not wasting your money. You may have heard the buzz around the growing opt out movement in Philadelphia and throughout the nation. Sunshine Advantage may be a good choice for families who are eligible for their Medicaid health plan and seeking high-quality ABA therapy services. If you have a child with ASD and are interested in ABA therapy services, its important to explore your options and choose a provider that meets your childs specific needs. Using the state standardized test scores as a percentage of an educator's effectiveness rating is unfair to everyone involved. WHY NOT TAKE THE TESTS? If you are a Pennsylvania parent, frustrated with what high-stakes testing has done to your school, your child or both, refusing the PSSAs is an option. This is clearly evident when schools use standardized, normed tests, which force all students into a bell curve, guaranteeing that a large proportion of the children will fail. Lithium works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. stream teachers. It is our hope that sometime in the near future our students can be rescued from these ill. conceived test-driven educational policies, and our schools and teachers will be free to teach children as they always have: with a heartfelt desire to see young children grow and develop intellectually to the best of their abilities. endobj This will alleviate her fears and allow her to talk about the issues that are plaguing her. We got a longer school day and a longer school year. She believes the exams can actually take away from a child's education. "It's such a disservice to our kids to try to funnel them all in one direction as opposed to figuring out how each kid learns best and accommodating them that way," Renee Heller, of the Lancaster County Opt Out group, told WTAE's affiliate station, WGAL. Furthermore, which teacher should we hold accountable for his score the math teacher at Colfax who does not even have him in school this year? WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. Sometimes companies change hands and in the end, you dont get the best service because they are no longer that good. I want tests, ideally designed by teachers, which align with the curriculum and give timely, informative results to parents and students. A good doctor is going to be one that has a solid reputation. There are several approaches to treating asthma and allergies, depending on the severity of the condition and the specific triggers that are causing symptoms. You want to be sure that you dont get gouged on the price. WebHow to Opt Out of the PSSAs STEP 1: Parent write letter/email to the superintendent or principal their intent to opt out. The type of testing that they offer is very similar to other hearing tests that are performed by audiologists across the country. Its essential to work with a medical professional to develop a treatment plan that takes into account your individual needs and circumstances. Their goal is to provide high-quality, evidence-based therapy that meets the unique needs of each child and helps them achieve their full potential. If you suffer from infections of the throat, whether chronic or acute, you should visit an ENT specialist.

(Kimberly Paynter/WHYY). The idea, of course, was that we had to get rid of the bad teachers and hire only great teachers and that would solve the problem of low test scores. A facial plastic surgeon in Plano is fairly honest when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Home; About; Blogrolls; Categories . I could stop my letter right there, as that is all that is legally required by the state in order to excuse our children from testing. Its crucial to work with a medical professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your individual needs and circumstances. Respecting the inherent worth of every child also means treating each student as an individual, and not a widget being produced in a factory. So why are we doing this? Antidepressants work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Antidepressants are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of depression, such as sadness, lack of energy, and difficulty sleeping. Pittsburgh is subjecting students to the normed GRADE test not once, but three times a year (a result of accepting state money that came with testing strings attached). "For me, this is about taking the pressure off of the kids, the teachers and the schools," said Newman, who believes the state should determine a new way of evaluating students. However, as this is our third year writing such letters, I would like to explain the religious grounds we have for refusing to allow our children to be tested. Instead, administrators and teachers makes lists of bubble students who are close to the passing mark and focus their energy on moving these students up to proficient. The students with the most needs, struggling at the very bottom, are passed over: they are neglected, perpetuating what has probably been the whole of their educational experience.

His math teacher at the high school who is not teaching him the material covered on the PSSA? "I want my kids to be challenged, but I don't want them to be unnecessarily stressed, and I really view those as different. A marketing service needs to be able to work with you on a regular basis, not just one time and thats it.

We recently heard from Jon Parker, a Pittsburgh high school teacher, who explained what high-stakes-testing is doing to students sense of self worth in his classroom. Webschooled children should contact the local district to arrange for inclusion in the testing. While ABA therapy has been around for decades, its popularity has increased significantly in recent years as more and more families seek effective treatments for their loved ones with ASD. Lithium works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Youre looking at whom to hire, and youre thinking about the costs. Over time, this can help to reduce the bodys sensitivity to allergens and reduce allergy symptoms. 3 0 obj Treatment-resistant depression is a type of depression that does not respond to traditional antidepressants or therapy. WebSample 4. % For instance, the DIBELS test, used to evaluate reading, is owned by Rupert Murdoch, and cut scores are being artificially raised to make it look like more students are failing and thus our schools arent doing a good job. Yet Mr. Singer explains that the DIBELS doesnt assess comprehension, and rewards someone who reads quickly but not someone who understands what shes reading. Also, he explains that, focusing on pronunciation separate from comprehension narrows the curriculum and takes away time from proven strategies that actually would help [a student] become a better reader., My sons experience with the DIBELS illustrates the way in which standardized tests can be used as gatekeepers, excluding even very high achieving students from accessing appropriate programs. Webchange ip address on hp jetdirect 300x honda accord warning lights on after changing battery sample letter to opt out of pssa testing. }\C18""h\x7:!X7x3UsJ'WV'c$u+!i@L]Z!Ox[n(r%)uF; UGd]T;1gy$4TZJb%Iq UK*E($p+>V,Z|f The traditional approach to treating depression involves a combination of therapy and medication. Keystone State. Additionally, you can try the following methods: Its a good idea to research the allergists credentials, experience, and patient reviews before making an appointment. Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which can lead to an increase in the levels of neurotransmitters, such as glutamate. sample letter to opt out of pssa testing. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). FAQ for parents from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Keystone/PSSA Test Features and Accommodations Translations available below.

There are a few out there that do great work so look for them when doing your research. Standardized testing, tied to an ever more standardized common core curriculum, sorts students into categories (below basic, basic, etc.) MCAS Sample Non-Participation Letter and Form for MCAS High School Tests/Retests MCAS Participation The 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Law, A: Yes, a parent or guardian may opt out his/her child from taking the PSSA for religious reasons. Everyone in the *country* needs to read this. Before you pick one from the options you have, youre going to want to read through these tips. Part of accepting one another is recognizing that we each have unique gifts and strengths. Parents have the right to opt out of their childs participation in PSSA/PASA testing by providing a written request. For example, a detailed analysis of the states new School Performance Profile (SPP) rating system found that despite its claim to use multiple measures to evaluate schools and teachers 90% of the calculation is based on high-stakes standardized tests. She believes the exams can actually take away from a child's education. endobj Weba. During this same decade, Colfax students also experienced a relentless series of reforms, all aimed at increasing test scores. And right here in Pennsylvania our own former state Secretary of Education, Rom Tomalis, was caught both lying and cheating about student test scores (and then went on to occupy a ghost-job in the state capitol, making $140,000 a year but not showing up for work). Also, dont try to do SEO marketing for doctors work without consulting with a professional in this field, also something doesnt go wrong in the end for you. WebPennsylvania is phasing out PSSA testing and phasing in Keystone testing, which will be required for all Pennsylvania students to graduate. 4.4 of Title 22, Chapter 4 provides for the rights of any parent or guardian to endobj Due to the limitations of traditional antidepressants, researchers and medical professionals have been exploring alternative medications that may be more effective for treatment-resistant depression. While many individuals can find relief through therapy and medication, some patients experience treatment-resistant depression. Why are you daydreaming? To which he answered, Well, I was thinking about how if you have a ball in your hand, and drop it, and it hits the floor but doesnt come all the way back up, where did that energy go? I kid you not. They don't need to list their religion, and the state isn't allowed to ask. When we made the decision to opt out of the PSSAs [Pennsylvania System of School Assessment], about a month ago, we explained to him what opting out was and why we wanted to do it. Our communities of color have been harmed the most, with places like Oakland and Hazelwood turned into education deserts without a single neighborhood public school. Keep up the love for the children. Many chronic pain conditions are part of a larger syndrome such as fibromyalgia. Testing advocates tell us that we must test every child, every year in order to identify inequality and drive reform (something no other high-education-achieving nation in the world does). This can have a severe impact on their quality of life, leading to social isolation and even suicidal thoughts. Nevertheless, the entire teacher evaluation system is built on just this assumption. Some of the alternative medications that have shown promise include ketamine, esketamine, and lithium. It's the time of year for standardized testing in Pennsylvania schools -- but not for all students. Those that do suffer from tinnitus can benefit from the types of testing that they offer. Suggest you send to UUWorld for publication. When a child is referred to Sunshine Advantage for ABA therapy services, they conduct a thorough evaluation to determine their specific needs and develop an individualized treatment plan. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. To summarize, these are some of the high-stakes for students: With all of that evidence that high-stakes-testing is hurting students, changing their schools for the worse, and reducing real learning, why are we still giving so many standardized tests? Before . Women and men use chemicals to treat a bad case of acne. I would suggest sharing this with all UU congregations. Websample letter to opt out of pssa testing. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that has been used for decades to treat bipolar disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is another therapy that has been used for decades to treat severe depression. My sons situation reveals how inappropriate the entire VAM system can be. Try to find the most up-to-date reviews there are online for that company so you know what to expect. This needs to be published everywhere! Evidence also shows serious problems with using high-stakes-testing to evaluate and rate schools. Two weeks prior to the testing window, I am certain of it. These two essays were written by students in Katherine Cohens 7th-grade English class at Greenberg Elementary in Northeast Philade Finally, this report demonstrated that VAM ratings cannot disentangle the many influences on students progress and stated most researchers have concluded that VAM is not appropriate as a primary measure for evaluating individual teachers.. However, as this is our third year writing such letters, I would like to explain the religious grounds we have for refusing to allow our children to be tested. C%N~|@:k%6vy4_}cj2cG3wAr (O^b }zt@[V(vk5GXJD U: *|p `21hE) jr(,L6R:CG@p:q(wP\. You want to get this job as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, there are resources available to help. Here is a Ultimately, ABA therapy can be a powerful tool for children with ASD and their families, providing hope, support, and the opportunity for growth and development. WebPSSA Results. He is now several years ahead in math and takes his class at the high school each morning, before returning to Colfax for the rest of the day. (4) The right of the parent or guardian to review the State assessments in the school entity, at least 2 weeks prior to their administration, during convenient hours for parents and guardians. If you are looking for an alternative to surgery after trying the many traditional approaches to chronic pain, The Lamb Clinic offers a spinal solution to move you toward mobility and wellness again. Once you have gone through their program, you will start to hear better, which is what many of their patients actually experience very quickly. 2001-2023 The Pain Reliever Corporation.
Whats more, Mr. Parker argued that if high-stakes-tests are meant to indicate which students need support so teachers can help them, they are miserably failing this most basic task. Each show consists of the biggest stories of the day, thoughtful commentaries, and insightful features brought alive through sound. By working with qualified and licensed ABA providers, providing comprehensive services, and taking a family-centered approach, Sunshine Advantage is committed to ensuring that each child receives the individualized care and support they need to thrive. This will ensure that you are doing everything that you can to hear things much better. This leads to a less painful healing process. A Maryland lactation specialist will vary in price. This is exactly what has happened, with the conviction of 11 former teachers in Atlanta this week who are now facing 5-20 years in prison for changing answers on student tests to raise scores. On average, you can expect to pay between $175 and %500. WebAmerican odyssey for the opt out sample pssa letter for students to let them as state, act of your parents. endobj This is the only basis for a parent or guardian to excuse One of the lactation consultant jobs will assist mothers, especially new parents with any problems that they might be having. ENT specialists or doctors have specialized skills to identify and offer treatment plans for conditions affecting the ears, nose, and throat. A lot of us need to love ourselves a lot more; however, those who have very strong noses may be happier about their appearance if they have a Rhinoplasty , Its smart to find a good neck and spine doctor so you know youll get your neck issue cared for quickly. K|Q"Hp74c'NNg#~ P{zkXU0w2lS%L#?N)n7GTn)UeLw:1MYSVffxUszSI/VX?g@uRJUM&ME58jZ&;*d,\y6uDW@%=VB endobj

This is a condition where ringing in your ears is going to be constant from hearing aids to balance testing. Plumbing repairs and installations can be expensive enough, but they are important. Esketamine has also shown promising results, with studies showing that it can alleviate symptoms of depression in a matter of hours. Depression is a debilitating mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. This is one of the many ways schools can fail. Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), PA State Test Administration Training Site, Guidance for Medical Exemptions from State Assessments, 2023 Guidelines for Selection and Use of Accommodations on State Assessments, 2023 Guidelines for Selection and Use of Accommodations on State Assessments Webinar, 2023Confidentiality Agreement for Language Interpreters/Sight Translators and Educational Sign Language Interpreters Form, Professional Standards and Practices Commission. I'd like to use your correspondences with the PDE in my article. African American migrants and immigrants from all over the world add to the rich culture of Yinzer Nation, which now proudly stretches throughout Southwest PA and beyond: it's our steel, coal, and glass heritage; it's our blue-collar roots; it's our passion for all things black and gold; it's a Yinzer Thing. You may also want to call the allergists office to ask about their availability and whether they accept your insurance. )r\\#S9" #'&*DrM$La)I8=ZWFO8?M'OOfIIr}F/#*$&rz/ }OO5v9$ 9PB0x"F#J7$@&f@|&Lfp_c3R?xM"V)WN 12=x;U [47Mqi6N#&/4&+LLEAD&"3.E& W?9tru_%ZH*n8 4H8uC=iiPs8oc9ozK~>bxBQ *<5 High-stakes-testing labels our schools as failures, but never results in additional resources to actually help kids. Some of the signs that you need to visit an ENT specialist include the following. Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your environment and daily habits can help to reduce your exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. What if the collection and use of data on student achievement, as measured by test scores, is actually causing harm? Much appreciation for your well thought through statement of religious conviction. In his class of struggling readers this year, over half of the students included their most recent PSSA rating as part of their introduction. Studies have shown that alternative medications, such as ketamine, esketamine, and lithium, can be effective in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. <> With state budget cuts we lost more music and athletic programs, and we even lost our after school tutoring program aimed at those very students whose test scores continue to cause so much alarm. That median range of figures is based on an average of what people pay to hire a plumber in general, all jobs considered. Hg$N; #2o0,xN=$I%q,B.p The opt-out movement is a response to both the standardization of the educational experience and the damage of high stakes testing. After review of the PSSA, if a parent or guardian chooses to opt his/her child out x[[o~Qa3DR0;"f ~h3L#j4~x{^]77?22r#hq"xAW)y_~:)/:\w7KH~!y$ =+nc{CrF &hQi"l|q M'"r}-LT4e!EM-ibqX'Z_& F5i[/0%RV)euylj64BUSo>!4b'RV"H6 ( //gmzr'z6+4F[|\^?H-bXNpZ3c`+*:pZ>L)j(V"EX|*xRiYx~Y6[7l)R>[()3c#5+KCR'pm{r=4rn0?! ZKLV*N8|p-Y83-pV"M3jA2jbiHf,YE 1~XOn Cc{KR.| u-c/"Il+&bfF2H(-FsuK4r;, Cb?Ve@sK1Kcqo~Vt%X#{JxoxDg"G%0DRtp Moreover, ENT doctors can even recommend a. WebSample Letter to Families About Opting Out of Standardized Tests. the Other category, complete the Non-Assessed Students section by marking Sample Opt Out Letter Letter One Dear _____, After consulting with attorneys at the Southern Poverty Law Center, speaking with the Director Having the consultant is a way that she can be sure that she is doing the right things for herself and her family. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news.

x\[o6~G.L`;aH$Ys! Next, the specialist will perform various tests to identify the cause of the problem. %PDF-1.5 While traditional antidepressants can be effective for many individuals, they may not work for everyone. WebForms 2023 Unique Accommodation Assurance (PDF) 2023 Confidentiality Agreement for Language Interpreters/Sight Translators and Educational Sign Language Interpreters By understanding the role of medication in treating treatment-resistant depression, we can gain a better understanding of how to help those who are struggling with this challenging condition. When students test scores are then displayed for all to see on data walls (an increasingly common practice in our schools), how does this respect the dignity of each child? provide a convenient time for the review. They may tell you your nose is fine and the procedure would be a waste. Your letter Scheduling an appointment will only take a few minutes of your time. The Lamb Clinic understands and treats the underlying causes as well as the indications and symptoms. excuse his or her child from the state assessment if, upon inspection of the This letter is comprehensive and would just need to be tailored to an individual student as it pertains High stakes standardized tests do nothing to improve creative thinking, meaningful learning, and dynamic teaching. You know your situation and at least a little of what might be expected. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address and then click to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. These state and national policies put forth by politicians and corporations have corrupted the process of education in our schools. We know that these tests There are too many factors that influence a student's ability to answer the test questions correctly, and it is in no way an effective tool for determining how effective a teacher is. Well examine the types of medications commonly used, their effectiveness, and potential side effects. Here is an open letter I sent to Dr. Linda Lane, Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools; Dr. Lisa Augustin, Director of Assessment; Ms. Jamie Kinzel-Nath, Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 principal; and all of our childrens wonderful teachers. In conclusion, treatment-resistant depression is a challenging condition that requires a personalized treatment plan. They literally said things like, Ill work hard but Im below basic., Mr. Parker explains, the tragic message from our high stakes test environment is you are your score. And if we tell a student hes below basic regularly from the time hes in kindergarten, what else would we expect of him? Please allow ___________ to pursue alternate educational activities such as a research project or volunteering in younger classrooms during testing. There are a number of doctors out there that can help you out. To the superintendent and principal the teacher had her orders: students needed to reading! Please note, parents must submit a separate request for This is the template most parents in PA are using: After reviewing the testing materials for the upcoming PSSA assessments, I am exercising my right as a parent under PA Code Title 22 Chapter 4, Section 4 (d) (4) to have my child, (name, grade, school), excused from all the PSSAs on the grounds that this testing violates my religious beliefs. This doesnt mean anything when it comes to the end cost. For opt out letters for the NY CITY tests (new, 2021), see HERE. `tv=eX\!+R)CJ*5XkZ`k:YmHyUU#F+Siw.oS?tlf-cAWs#XPBPNuxQ7Bpx^E[4=@xz}i(3a This is an invalid use of data, violating a basic principle of assessment, since those tests were never designed to measure teacher effectiveness. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Philadelphia is moving closer to selling the Roundhouse. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Call your insurance company or a local hospital for recommendations. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> These include hearing tests, visual exams, laryngoscopes, and many more. Districts must We should not be surprised, since Campbells Law in social science states that the more a quantitative measurement is used to make decisions, the more subject it becomes to corruption and the more likely it is to corrupt the thing it was supposed to measure. ENT doctors practice under otolaryngology which is a specialty handling disorders affecting the ears, nose, and throat. Traci.ramey@gmail.com. This national and statewide emphasis on standardized testing is a waste classroom time and taxpayer's money that could otherwise be spent on valuable educational opportunities. We got a Parent Engagement Specialist. "Everything that was causing us stress at home had PSSA at the top of it," said Kathy Newman, whose son is a fourth-grader. The Lamb Clinic provides a comprehensive assessment and customized treatment plan for all new patients utilizing both interventional and non-interventional treatment methods. endobj 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Many parents and guardians do not know they have a right to opt their children out of testing. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that has been used for decades to treat bipolar disorder. The school district has spent at least a quarter of a million dollars on attorneys fees and public relations services since May, and the full amount is likely much more. religious beliefs. In this article, well take a closer look at the role of medication in treating this complex form of depression. If you do not agree with these terms and conditions, please disconnect immediately from this website.

Some parents opting children out of PSSA tests, Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams are administered in schools across the state. Public schools cannot refuse their presence. Leave a reply. When you look at the pattern of school closures across the country including here in Pittsburgh you can see that districts have closed schools in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods, displacing some students multiple times. There are too many people out there that think marketing is easy only for them to later find out that they made things worse because they didnt know what they were doing. "For me, this is about taking the pressure off of the kids, the teachers and the schools," said Newman, who believes the state should determine a new way of evaluating students. Pursuant to Pennsylvania Code Title 22 Chapter 4, section 4.4 (d) (5) I am hereby exercising my right as a parent to have my child, [ NAME ], excused from We are satisfied with the quality of education our daughter has received. Instead, failing schools are often targeted for closure. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. It will be very comforting for a woman that is going to be having a family and is not sure of all that she is up against. According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, ketamine was found to be effective in over 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Some charter schools are well known for the charter dump, pushing students out just before testing season in order to inflate their test scores (sending students back into traditional public schools, where their new teachers will be held accountable for their learning). on the students part despite school personnels every effort to obtain compliance. Tom Wolf said Monday that the The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Steve Singer, a teacher in the Steel Valley School District, points out that some tests can serve a political purpose. It does not include factors like hospital charges. ECT involves sending small electrical currents through the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. We all have things we dont like about our bodies, some issues can be too much to bear. xn}b(jsH27>(#K_sI""-WWZW7qo?}',rcg,t;=}}}/osg}.9wgo?|BKo\ME1cZv1Vn 9cz,ef/s[ye v7 ' In what way does this kind of standardized testing respect the inherent worth of our students?