Officials try to stem growing opt-out movement

As students across Long Island get ready for another round of state tests this spring, New York’s education commissioner is trying to stem the rapidly growing opt-out movement.

Joseph Santos, 9, of North Merrick, says practicing for the upcoming state assessment tests is stressful. Since he's feeling the pressure, his mother is opting Joseph out of taking the exams.

"I don't feel he should be put under stress for something that's not for him whatsoever," says Theresa Santos.

Theresa Santos isn't alone in her frustration with the state's Common Core standards and the tests that have come with them.  

As News 12 has reported, thousands of parents have decided to opt their children out of taking the assessments over the past few years.  Just this past weekend, there was an opt-out rally at Roosevelt Field mall. The backlash has led state officials to review the Common Core standards and the exams.  

New York State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia says some changes have already been made. Many of the exams have been shortened, and test scores are no longer linked to teacher evaluations. She says opting out only makes it tougher for the state to continue to improve the process.

"The reality is the tests give us feedback, they give feedback to the teachers," she says.