Are PSSAs Ruining Our Schools?

An opinion piece recently published in the Post-Gazette has created quite the buzz on Facebook.

Kathy Newman, an English professor and mother of a third grader, wrote that she is having her son "opt out" of this year's PSSA because the stressful tests "warp the educational environment." Her son attends Pittsburgh's Linden Elementary School.

We asked our Chartiers Valley Patch readers on Facebook if they support Newman's decision and what they think of Pennsylvania's standardized tests, and we received a mixed bag of reaction.

Most of the commenters think Newman is right on.

"Hate these tests! So much pressure on kids and teachers and it doesn't even count for a grade," Jenn Rennie wrote.

"Some children just don't test well but really know the material ... parents and educators should recognize these signs," Laura Stump Domen wrote.

Some others think Newman's action is not appropriate.

"While I appreciate the parent's decision ... I hate to say it, but it's a necessary evil," Lorie Davis wrote.

So what do you think? Will you join the "opt-out" of PSSAs movement? Tell us in the comments below.