Well, I called the school and talked to the principal and Mrs. Bxxxx. I tried to break the conversation down into talking points.
1. I explained to them that unnecessary testing brings unnecessary stress into the children's lives.
They agreed but played the 'mandated by state law'. They didn't expect for me to have read up on the state mandates and no, testing kids in grades lower than 4th grade is NOT a mandate, just a suggestion. Then their answer changed to 'the school district believes it is a useful tool.' I agreed that it is a good tool but..
2. What the hell is up with all of the secrecy? Why weren't the parents informed that the test was going to take place and, more importantly, why are the results only available upon request.
Their answer was because the results don't mean anything, really.
When I brought up the fact that they used the results to determine special classes the results DO mean something so all parents should be informed on all decisions.
They hemmed and hawed about this one so I will need to bring it up again and maybe even go to the Superintendent.
3. I asked point blank what Mrs. Bxxxx said to my DD in regard to additional reading comprehension classes.
Mrs. Bxxxx said that she told DD that improving her reading comprehension would help her in her career as a rock star and that it will definitely help her with writing songs.
I have to believe her on this one. My DD is extremely sensitive to any type of negative feedback...even when it isn't negative feedback. My DD can be part of a 30 minute conversation and latch onto one word that was said and take it as an insult. btdt
However, I told Mrs. Bxxxx that from now on I would appreciate her being a little bit more cognizant how and what she says to the children in her class.