Testing: Parental Feedback on CLAS Exams

I am writing to express my concern regarding the CLAS test that is currently required to be administered to fourth-, fifth-, eight- and 10th-grade students. I believe that this is an invasion of privacy and that it is an attempt to control and manipulate the family unit.

As an example, in the English portion of the test, children are forced to read graphic and violent stories and then write their feelings or experiences as expressed in the story. I do not believe this is necessary and certainly should not be administered in a test at school.

They are also asked to name a circumstance(s) that changed their feelings about a member of their family. If they cannot do so, they are asked to make one up. If the story, for example, centers on abuse, it is reported to the proper authorities. Please understand that I am a firm believer in protecting our children from any sort of child abuse; however, I am against forcing a child to make up a story (they could have learned from a television program or courses taught in schools), and the government taking whatever action they feel necessary without knowing whether or not the story is make believe or true. This is ludicrous.

It is also my understanding that the CLAS test is not in any way an aptitude test. My child was administered an aptitude test recently and I have no problem with this. I think it is a helpful tool in educating our children. However, the CLAS test does not measure aptitude.

In light of the above, it is my understanding that passage of the SB-1273 would:

1. Make CLAS testing a graduating requirement;

2. Take away local school control by forcing schools to administer the test; and

3. Make it illegal for anyone to make unauthorized copies of the test. (This is of concern to me. I would like the right to peruse any test or school material my child is subjected to.)

Torrance schools are known to be some of the best in the state. Our local officials and schools are obviously doing something right. I would like my school district to have the option, and the parents of the children to have the right, to refuse to administer the test.

I for one will be writing a letter to my child’s teacher, principal, and district superintendent to excuse my child from taking the CLAS test.

DARLENE BESST

Torrance