I told you all to watch New York, and I meant it.

The movement has changed from “opt out” to “refuse.”  Parents across the state, in dramatically increasing numbers, are organizing and preparing themselves for the magic of April 16.  When the state standardized tests are administered on that date, students of all ages and ZIP codes will politely shake their heads, push it away, offer an “I refuse this test” note, or simply sit and wait.  It is a quiet act of civil disobedience to bring an important change.  And now we know how Super Bowl players must feel the night before the big game.

Parents and students across the state have had open discussions with each other, with teachers and principals, and with other parents and students.  We’ve shared data, stories, and knowledge.  We’ve supported each other through trials and successes.  The bottom line is that we know what’s best for our kids, we know the state leadership of New York is leading us down a destructive path, and we are taking a stand.

And just as I would have expected, the grand majority of school personnel have nodded their heads in approval and thanked us.  Because we aren’t just saving our kids, we’re also saving their jobs.

Every once in a while, though, we get a sad tale of retribution.  Brave teacher-parents who are opting their own kids out, telling their coworkers about it, and then being chastised by their superiors.  Like I said, the majority of principals have been supportive, but some have just been outright mean.

One teacher tells me that she was targeted by someone who actually called 311 (the government information service) to report that she was actively trying to influence parents to refuse the test.  Now, at least it wasn’t 911, but I’m still reminded of this:

Standardized tests: the Chicken McNuggets of New York

The 311 report stated that the teacher is a Department of Education employee and she is not doing her job.  Keep in mind that this teacher reports not influencing anyone to do anything, and states that she only answered parents who had questions outside of her working hours.

Another teacher from New York had a similar incident.  This time, the teacher was told that she was “inciting rebellion” and encouraging parents to break the law.  First, there is no law against refusing the state tests.  Second, this is not a rebellion.

THIS…is a rebellion!

The principal indicated that she was “encouraging the unintelligent parents who don’t care about their children” and was making trouble for the school.  This time, the report was seemingly filed by a fellow teacher.

Why do I tell you all this?  Because I want you to know that our teachers are still being scapegoated and targeted by a campaign of slander and are not able to stick up for themselves for fear of losing their beloved profession.  They courageously defend our kids and the public schools that embrace, care, and educate our kids.  Because I want you to know that these teachers are not letting this take them down.  They’re sticking through it.  They’re watching and waiting as the parents movement in New York State make the difference they hope for.

But I also want to point out that many of our brave principals are also taking a stand.  Brave principals like this one:

I want you to know that there are people in administration who are trying to fight the good fight. The only way change will happen is if people stand up and reject the Pearson machine…please know I am in the trenches with you.

And another principal who told his staff that he hopes that they aren’t speaking about this in the school building, but when they leave, they are Americans who are protected by the First Amendment.

They deserve recognition and our thanks.

Watch New York, folks.  We have built this movement literally from the ground up.  With brave parents, teachers, administrators, and super-brave students, we are going to make the change we want to see.

And a quick note to those who are in the Assembly and Senate of New York State (or those who are thinking of running for office in this awesome and powerful state): take note!  This may be the issue you most seriously have to answer to to get that spot you’re running for.  Because when this is all over, we’re moving on to the next movement: The Common Core State [sic] Standards.

Find out why so many parents and students are frustrated.  Read Children of the Core on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play.  That goes for you, too, Assembly members and Senators!