** Opt Out Movement 1:45 - 16:49 https://soundcloud.com/rachelclarkehimc/backlash-against-high-stakes-testing
** Educators Speak Out Against English Language Learners and Special Education Students Taking High Stakes Testing https://vimeo.com/124482344 16:50 - 21:29
** This Week in Under-reported Headlines http://www.btlonline.org/2015/mp3/150417-btl-news.mp3 24:35 - 30:00
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Hey Houston thanks so much for kicking off your weekend with us here at the Houston Indymedia show. We would like to give a shout out to Gordon, our guest board op for the revolution and also send positive energy out to Courtney, who is traveling to Dallas this evening to celebrate the life of a family member. We wish her and her loved ones all the best. Tonight we will take a closer look at the growing backlash from parents and students against the high-stakes testing monster that has taken over public education. Our very own Rachel Clarke brings us voices from across the country as well as right here in Houston with this report...
Outro 2 minutes 30 seconds 7:45:30pm And it is also worth noting an increasing number of other stake holders are organizing against this system. Last year Waco ISD defied the Texas Education Agency and the Pearson Testing Corporation by holding classes for students who were opting out of the STAAR. No word yet on what their plans are for this year. Also, just last Wednesday, the Katy Independent School District School Board unanimously passed a resolution calling for the abolition of high stakes testing.
Locally, the report you just heard featured the voices of Community Voices for Public Education co-founder Ruth Kravetz as well as Claudia DeLeon. Claudia was the lone parent who opening and defiantly opted her third grader out of the STAAR Reading and Math within Houston ISD. The number this year promises to be higher. If you are interested in learning more about the Opt Out movement or if you are a parent that would like the tools needed to opt your child out of high stakes testing here in the Houston area you can visit the web at houstoncvpe.org and click on the tab labeled 'Opt Out'. State testing dates will be later this month for Grades 3-8. Specifically April 20-22nd, with the 23rd as a make up day.
The Live Oaks Friends Meeting House will be hosting an alternative, free educational experience for children opting out of STAAR from 7:30-3:15 on those testing dates. They are located at 1318 West 26th Street. Also worth noting is that, for the first time, a number of issues tied to high stakes testing, including the contract with Pearson itself, is being called into question this legislative session. You can contact your elected official and let them know your views on high stakes testing or for more active types, you can take to the streets and get on the bus for April 18th state-wide Rally for Public Education. The bus is free and leaving at 6am from 4400 West 18th Street in Houston. More information for this event can also be found at www.houstoncvpe.org
Piece 4 minutes 45 seconds 7:49:45pm Educators Speak Out Against English Language Learners and Special Education Students Taking High Stakes Testing https://vimeo.com/124482344
Piece 4 minutes 21 seconds 7:57:53pm This Week in Under-reported Headlines http://www.btlonline.org/2015/mp3/150417-btl-news.mp3
Outro 1 minute 7:58:53pm That does it for another week here at the Houston Indymedia Show. I'm ______________ reminding everyone out there don't hate the media, be the media, PEACE!
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