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State test opt-out rates dip regionally
Statewide percentage has risen slightly
Zachary Matson | March 31, 2017


The percentage of Capital Region students who refused to take state English language arts tests this week appeared to dip compared with the previous two years, even as thousands of families remain unsold by changes state education officials have made to the contentious exams.

With 30 districts from across region reporting their opt-out rates over the course of last week , all but three saw lower percentages of students opt out than in the previous year. (The opt-out rates are reported by the state Education Department annually, and the preliminary results of this years tests could be revised, after verification by state officials.)

The Capital Region opt-out rates also dipped last year in many places, but the state as a whole saw increases, thanks to a big jump in Long Island districts' rates. Last week, more than half of Long Island students -- roughly the same as in 2016 -- refused the state tests, according to Newsday reports.

Schoharie saw its opt-out rate increase from 15 percent last year to 18 percent this year, while Saratoga Springs and Stillwater both held steady at 17 percent.

In an effort to improve participation in the tests, state officials last year eliminated the time limit for taking them and reduced slightly the number of questions. They have also undertaken a revision of the controversial education standards that underpin the tests.
ELA Opt Out Rates           

     
     2015     2016     2017
Albany     16     20     16
Ballston Spa     25     27     21
Broadalbin-Perth     22     26     18
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake     31     20     15
Canajoharie     37     50     40
Cobleskill-Richmondville     28     16     15
Fonda-Fultonville     29     22     18
Duanesburg     12     11     10
Galway     19     27     26
Gloversville     31     33     30
Guilderland     18     21     18
Johnstown     26     19     12
Middleburgh     24     36     25
Mohonasen     60     50     46
Niskayuna     11     10     8
North Colonie     14     12     11
Northville     14     9     11
Schalmont     33     30     27
Saratoga Springs     15     17     17
Shenendehowa     20     22     21
South Glens Falls     12     14     11
Schenectady     7     7     3
Scotia-Glenville     34     39     29
Schoharie     27     15     18
Schuylerville     21     26     20
Sharon Springs     22     14     13
Stillwater     14     17     17
Waterford-Halfmoon     44     40     32
Wheelerville     10     8     1