Utah has been touting that they have a new test called RISE/ASPIRE! Parents who had heard such negativity about SAGE breathed a sigh of relief. Unfortunately, as many parents are now finding out, the RISE/ASPIRE test is sadly just the SAGE test rebranded. When Utah state looked for new vendor for testing, one of the requirements was that it had the same questions as the SAGE test, while there may be one or two new questions all of the old questions are still on the test.
Many parents may be asking, is that so bad? Isn't it the right thing to do to see what students have learned? Hold all teachers to the same standard? Here is a list of what parents should know about this "new" test and the new law HB118 and what it means for Utah students.
1. The test has the same questions as the SAGE test, which wouldn't be so bad if teachers or parents could see the test. They can't, even after the test is over. So how could a teacher possibly assess which areas were weak and needed improvement? In what other area would a parent be ok with children being asked "secret" questions??
2. Many schools are stating this is a mandatory test. You can still opt out! It does not affect their grade. What it does affect is potential funding for the schools. If more than 5% of the kids opt out, schools can potentially be penalized with losing federal funds. Perhaps it is time to send the message for our State to better manage the funds it has; and not to depend on federal funding. Return control on the local level. Also take into account that only 6% of our funding is federal. It is not an insurmountable loss.
3. ACT-Aspire or Pre-ACT is an "ACT prep." This is also deliberately misleading. The ACT-Aspire test is not the ACT prep. They used the name ACT in hopes that more parents would believe that it is associated with the ACT, and therefore, help their child with preparing for college readiness testing. It is a test that is Common Core based, much like PARCC and Smarter balanced tests put out by the US Department of Education.
4. HB118 allows for incentives to take the test. This is true in a limited capacity. Parents can opt in to have the RISE test take the place of an end-of-the-year assessment or a teacher can offer an academic reward such as having it take the place of a child’s test score. What is still not allowed is incentives like parties or treats! It is still against the law to "punish" a child opting out by excluding them from activities or parties for not taking it.
5. If you opt out, the child has to take an "alternative test." Also, untrue. The teacher just has to offer an alternative educational activity. This could be reading, letting them work on class projects, catching up on homework, or watching an educational film. You can also pull your child out of school during testing as any alternative test or activity cannot count on their grade.
So, now that you know that facts, you might ask what should I do? Do not hesitate to opt your child out, their grade cannot be affected by it. If you see violations of the law, such as schools saying it is mandatory or offering rewards such as parties or treats, please talk to your school, or your district. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, you can report to audit@school.utah.gov .
