Teachers at two Chicago elementary schools joined a parent-led boycott of a state test that is being phased out, prompting parents to rally behind them while angering Chicago school officials.

A majority of teachers at Saucedo Scholastic Academy and at least half of the teachers at Drummond Elementary balked at administering the Illinois Standard Achievement Test (ISAT), which is conducted for eight hours over two weeks, citing the fact that the test will be replaced this year by tests aligned with the Common Core Learning Standards and that it does not count toward grades, graduation or college admission.

Juan Gonzalez, who teaches math and science at Drummond, said extreme pressure had been applied on the teachers to end their boycott. “We have to think about how this affects our livelihood,” he said. “But we decided to stand on the side of right and boycott the ISAT.”

The Chicago Teachers Union said it would defend teachers against any disciplinary action by the district.

AFT President Randi Weingarten voiced her support for the boycott. “The test is being administered only to fulfill a No Child Left Behind requirement, while more than half of the states have sought waivers from such requirements,” Weingarten said. “The test won’t inform instruction or assess student or teacher performance. It is not relevant to the current curriculum. It’s a meaningless hoop to jump through that benefits no one. So why subject kids to it?”

Parents are also skeptical of the test’s worth. Julie Woestehoff, the executive director of Parents United for Responsible Education, said that more than 1,000 students in 80 schools opted out.

Chicago Tribune, March 4
Catalyst Chicago, March 1, 3