ACTION: Cancel 2021 Tests

On 2/22/21, Ian Rosenblum, the acting deputy assistant secretary of education, sent a letter to state school leaders telling them that they could not cancel 3rd-8th grade state tests–even though schooling around the country has been disrupted for nearly a year due to the pandemic. 

We've organized a campaign aimed directly at Rosenblum to urge him to reverse this disastrous, impractical, and cruel decision. If enough of us write or call, we can make an impact.

(1) EMAIL Use this link to send an email to Rosenblum. Be sure to sign your name at the end and consider personalizing your message by including your relationship to schools (student, parent/guardian/grandparent, educator, etc) and where you live (city/state).

(2) CALL Dial Ian Rosenblum at (202) 245-7448. Your call will likely go direct to voicemail. That’s OK. Below is a phone script you can use if you choose. You don't have to say this word for word; give it your own flare!

SCRIPT:

Hello, my name is _____________________ and I am a (parent/guardian, student, teacher, principal, grandparent, etc). I live in _________________________. 

I am calling because I recently learned that you were the person who signed the letter informing state education leaders that they must give the annual state tests to public school 3rd-8th graders.

I want you to know that I strongly oppose your decision in this matter, and I believe that it runs completely contrary to what President Biden promised on the campaign trail. 

In your role at the Department of Education, you must act to uphold the president’s promise to honor the professionalism of teachers and the social-emotional well being of students. I am asking you to act like Betsy DeVos is no longer in charge, and reverse your very misguided “guidance” on test cancellation. These tests are the last thing our children need, especially in a pandemic year.