NYSUT blasts SED plan to penalize schools for opt-outs

The NYS Education Dep't  (SED) is playing fast and loose with draft regulations for the state's Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) implementation plan. The draft regulations which are contrary to the intent of ESSA and to good public policy, make a direct frontal assault on the rights of parents to opt-out their children from the state testing system by threatening financial penalties and even the possibility of eventual school closings. These proposed regulations were a choice made by SED. This is contrary to the intent of ESSA and to good public policy. NYSUT won’t stand for it! Read our letter that quickly outlines our concerns, then tell SED to stop penalizing parents and schools within ESSA! The Commissioner and the Board of Regents need to hear from you. Don’t stand for these shenanigans. Make your voice heard by providing SED your specific feedbackts, period! And SED sho