This week, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) released scores from Common Core testing of students from Grades 3 to 8 on Mathematics and English and the scores were shockingly low throughout state. Despite NYSED's comments that these scores will provide a baseline, I continue to be deeply concerned that the over-emphasis on testing as the primary answer to raise achievement, while virtually ignoring the persistent economic divide in every set of tests between wealthy districts and districts with high concentrations of poverty. Here is the statement Assemblymember John McDonald and I issued on Wednesday: "The results of the scores are not a surprise, as we’ve heard directly from large numbers of students, parents, teachers, and administrators, that implementation of the Common Core curriculum went too far, too soon. How do you tell a third-grader who thinks they’re a failure because of a poor score, or a rising eighth-year heading into their first year of high school making a decision about whether or not to take school seriously, not to worry because their scores don’t matter anyway? Scores do matter. A child’s self-esteem matters. NYSED’s one-dimensional approach to the use of testing has prevented them from seeing its harmful effects when used indiscriminately. Some 43 other states made a decision to teach the Common Core in advance of testing for it. Why not New York? The rushed implementation of the Common Core resulting in poor test scores places a label on students as failing and unfairly stigmatizes them, their schools and their communities. The results demonstrate the failure of this rushed effort and although well intentioned, demands improved efforts and direction from NYSED moving forward." I spoke with WAMC’s Dave Lucas about the incredible impact these tests have. And recently, Marina Marcou-O'Malley from the Alliance for Quality Education and I spoke Susan Arbetter on WCNY's "The Capitol Pressroom"(show dated July 27, start at the 30 minute mark) particularly on the impact of over-testing on students and the effects it has on teachers and school districts. Here are a few upcoming events and community highlights I’d like to share with you: + Congratulations to the Honest Weight Food Co-Op on their grand opening this week. For over 35 years, the co-op has been leading the way to provide healthy foods to families in the Capital Region. + The Music Mobile will be appearing at Pat Kelly Park (southwest corner of Knox and Morris Street in Albany) for three consecutive Mondays starting on August 12, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Ruth Pelham and her Merry Mirth Makers make for a fun and entertaining evening and be sure to bring the children! + Park Playhouse’s second show of their 25th anniversary season, SHREK: The Musical, started this week. The show runs through August 18, with each performance beginning at 8 p.m. There are not many better ways to spend a summer evening that watching musical theater under the stars of Albany’s Washington Park. + The Altamont Fair begins next week at the Altamont Fairgrounds, running from August 13 through August 18. Great family fun at an affordable price. Thanks for the positive feedback on these weekly e-mail newsletters. Please share these and if you know someone who would like to be added have them email me. If you have any upcoming events or happenings in your neighborhood, let my office know by sending us a note.As always, for the latest about my office’s happenings or for upcoming events, please visit my office online, on Facebook, and on Twitter.?? Sincerely ---
Pat
Patricia A. Fahy
Member of Assembly
109th District