The arduous and poorly-designed testing regime which New York State students were forced to undergo in spring 2013 presented them with a situation that was not age or developmentally appropriate. Focused on evaluating curriculum and teaching methods, the experience offered little positive educational benefit for children. Children were lab rats, subjected to experimental and taxing testing, and parents were not given enough clear information beforehand about the task given to the students. Children were required to undergo this experimental process without the consent of parents or guardians. The test especially strained children without strong support systems at home. A great number of children across the state experienced "failing" the test, an exercise which has decimated their self-esteem and courage. Children, their families, and their teachers were stressed and distracted from the true reason for their time together--to learn to become thinkers and good citizens.

We respectfully request that you pause this testing process, reassess it, and present in spring 2014 a more sensitive, better-designed, and less exhausting testing experience that has intrinsic benefits for children. We also request that you communicate more widely and clearly with caregivers about the nature of the testing.