More opt-outs expected for Common Core math test today

A second round of Common Core testing is set to begin after a record number of students refused to take last week’s English Language Arts exam.

Even higher numbers are expected to opt out of today's math test.

Principal of South Side High School Carol Burris says parents’ frustrations with the controversial exams have fallen on deaf ears.

“There was a lot of lip service by the Legislature and very little action,” said Burris.

She suggests the test should be shorter and more grade-level appropriate. Burris also says the Common Core standards need to be reviewed, and teacher evaluations should be separated from exam scores.

East Moriches superintendent Charles Russo says he still believes having higher standards, that are the same for every student, is a good thing.

“There was always great variation in what was covered and what wasn't. Even among teachers side by side,” said Russo. “The unification that has come about, I see, as a positive for students."

State Sen. John Flanagan told News 12 that he would be surprised if there wasn’t “some legislative activity” regarding Common Core before the end of the session.

Roger Tilles, from the Board of Regents, told News 12 that the board was already planning on reviewing the Common Core standards even before the large number of test refusals this year.

He made it clear that the Legislature did not give the board the authority to separate teacher evaluations from student test scores.