32. Graduation Test (5/99)

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Whereas recent legislation requires that beginning in 2003, public school students must pass a state-mandated graduation test in order to receive a diploma; and

Whereas in the future this test could be required of private school students (including homeschoolers) either in exchange for vouchers or merely because the state decides such tests are a good idea for private school students; and

Whereas such standardized tests are unfair and biased against women, minorities, and people who do not have the same values and experiences as those who design the test; and

Whereas such tests do not measure important qualities such as common sense, honesty, integrity, mechanical ability, etc.; and

Whereas in order to prepare for and pass such tests, a student needs to follow a curriculum similar to those used in public schools and to adopt, at least temporarily, the values and attitudes of those who designed the test, and thereby give up the opportunity to pursue an education consistent with his/her principles and beliefs; and

Whereas the Governor’s 1999 budget bill calls for eliminating the provision in current law that guarantees the right of parents to exempt their children from taking the graduation test; and

Whereas the graduation test would inevitably lead to public and private school students (including homeschoolers) using a single curriculum, thereby undermining the ability of families to choose an education consistent with their principles and beliefs; and

Whereas homeschools in Wisconsin have been successful in large part because, in the absence of a state-mandated test, they have been free to choose or develop a curriculum that works well for their family;

Be it resolved by members of the Wisconsin Parents Association (WPA) that WPA and its members oppose the graduation test as a state mandate and oppose the repeal of the law that guarantees the right of parents to exempt their children from the graduation test; and

Be it further resolved that we will work to inform homeschoolers, the Legislature, and the general public of problems associated with both the graduation test and the repeal of the law that guarantees the right of parents to exempt their children from it. 5/99