RICHMOND, Va. -- One million Virginia public school students took the state mandated Standards of Learning test in 2014. But 680 parents opted for their children not to take the test. That number is growing, according to grassroots advocacy group RVA Opt Out.
Victoria Carll founded RVA Opt Out two years ago, after she said her nine-year-old daughter became increasingly stressed in preparation for the SOLs.
"As the year went on, there were more and more worksheets," Carll said. "She became very anxious and there was a lot of pressure at the school that was trickling down from the administration to teachers and to my daughter."
RVA Opt Out founder Victoria Carll
Carll said the Opt Out movement is gaining ground in Richmond, with several students in the city and surrounding counties now refusing to take the standardized tests. It is up to local school divisions to decide what, if any weight an SOL score is given in determining the letter grade for a student in elementary and middle school. Carll said no school districts in Central Virginia use the test in determining a student’s grade or placement. However, high school students must pass certain SOL tests to earn a diploma.
Dr. Dana Bedden, Superintendent for Richmond Public Schools, said he understood concerns from parents, but warned opting out of SOL testing can be detrimental to a school.
SOL test scores are often used to determine a school's performance rating.
"I’m concerned when you opt out, the school gets a 0 for that student," Bedden said.
He added he hoped there would be continued dialogue between school leaders, parents and lawmakers.
In 2014, Virginia lawmakers stripped down the number of state mandated SOL tests. While Carll said it was a step in the right direction, she argued parents fear education has become too focused on learning basic facts, instead of critical thinking and problem solving.
"We love our schools," Carll said. "It’s not about hurting our schools, it’s about keeping our kids with the love of learning in their hearts."
