Exemptions to STAR and other standardized testing

I am vehemently opposed to standardized testing. As the parent of a first-grader who is among the top pupils in her class, I plan to exempt her from standardized testing beginning next year, and continuing until she asks me to stop. Even top universities are moving away from giving SAT and ACT scores as much weight as they did in the past -- why then are we adopting it, and at such a young age? 

My understanding of the situation is that the testing was pushed through the legislature by Pete Wilson over the objections of most of the legislators. If so, this is a grievous thing (apologies that I do not have time to do better research and verify my facts -- I am a working parent of three. If I am incorrect, please set me straight). 

Further, I believe that many people are thinking that, now that there is a federal mandate for standardized testing, we have no choice in the matter. But we went against federal regulations when we raised the speed limit in California, on some roads, to be greater than 55 mph -- and although they withheld federal highway moneys from us, we prevailed, and now plenty of states (perhaps all of them?) have higher limits as well. Further, I know of no passage in the Constitution which would allow the federal government to dictate school curriculum and testing procedures at this level.

I know that it is unrealistic to ask legislators to reverse the state testing laws (although I do wish that you would do so! =) Instead, I would like to ask any legislators in the audience to please consider this proposal:

Parental exemptions to standardized testing are mandated under the law. However, most parents I have spoken with are *unaware* of the fact that they may exempt their children from testing! Please consider including a passage or rider -- or whatever it is that you call those things -- to the effect that *every* time schools disseminate information about standardized testing, they must also give "equal time" (ie the same amount of paper and ink!) for the opposing viewpoint. NOT just one little paragraph at one time in the whole year, which is nigh on to impossible for a busy parent to spot. This is why "equal time" is necessary. Further, that the "opposing viewpoint" be written by and for parents. Groups  which oppose testing already exist -- CalCARE, for instance, already has bilingual information for parents.

If parents choose not to exempt their children, no harm has been done. If, however, they choose to exempt their children in great numbers, teachers will feel more comfortable discussing this with parents as well as with district and other administrators (again, it is my understanding that teachers are made to feel uncomfortable or worse when they do discuss these things today. And if the feeling is shared by enough parents, then this could "trickle up" to Sacramento, where it could be acted on.

Many thanks to all who take the time to read and consider this. I am more than very willing to discuss why I am opposed to standardized testing, but am trying to be brief. And finally, I do apologize if this topic was covered earlier, or if my post is otherwise a victim of bad timing or of being off-topic.

Best regards,
JS Kelly
Parent
jskelly@jskelly.com