Aug. 8, 2016 Media Advisory: Press Conference

MCEA, Legislators: “Results are clear; PARCC is not the answer”

Details: Who: Education leaders, legislators, school board members, and parents When: Wednesday, Aug. 10; 9:30 a.m. Where: The Heldrich Hotel (Janeway Room), 10 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 Why: PARCC survey results to be released—data shows significant problems with PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) Speakers: Sen. Patrick Diegnan Jr., D-Middlesex Darcie Cimarusti, president, Highland Park Board of Education Ellen Whitt, MCEA Research and Advocacy (ReAD) Committee member Lisa Rodgers, parent, South Brunswick Susan Cauldwell, executive director of Save Our Schools NJ Community Organizing (SOS NJ) Overview: Senator Patrick Diegnan and the Middlesex County Education Association (MCEA) will release findings of a survey of teachers following PARCC testing. Some 1,285 Middlesex County teachers and school professionals voluntarily and anonymously participated in a survey regarding the impact of the PARCC test on students, schools and instruction. The major findings of the survey include: Results from PARCC were delayed significantly or not distributed to teachers. Inconsistent testing environments cause many to question the validity of the results. PARCC and related test preparation have negatively impacted many students and raised concerns for many parents. PARCC drains significant instructional time and causes severe disruptions to classes. As a result of the PARCC test, students have limited access to library media centers and computers, as well as special services and programs. The testing/evaluation environment has negatively impacted teachers and staff. “I want to thank the Middlesex County Education Association for taking the initiative to conduct this survey," said Sen. Patrick Diegnan, D-18. "The data is a clear and unflinching clarion call that the broken rollout of PARCC in New Jersey needs continued improvements from a New Jersey Department of Education that should be a willing collaborator with teachers to negate any negative impacts on learning for our children." Lisa Rogers, a parent from South Brunswick, said, “This data gives further evidence that the PARCC should not be used as a graduation requirement and in fact should be shelved.” MCEA President Lois Yukna said, “If the PARCC becomes a graduation requirement, it will harm, not help, public education in Middlesex County and across New Jersey. It takes valuable time away from genuine classroom instruction with no real benefit for students.” Contact: Ellen Whitt, MCEA ReAD committee member, 732-771-7882, orwhitt.ellen@gmail.com