Policy Order O-9

WHEREAS: The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exam system is a computer based, privately operated student assessment system that revolves around Common Core curriculum and federal Race to the Top educational efforts; and

WHEREAS: Concerns about PARCC include the privacy of student data generated by these assessments, an increase of "teaching to the test" in schools, an increase in the number of assessments students take, the overall privatization of education in America, an increase in local funds expended to meet PARCC, Common Core and Race to the Top requirements and more; and

WHEREAS: There are a number of Budget Amendments at the Massachusetts Statehouse that would limit PARCC implementation as the above issues, and more, get addressed; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Council go on record expressing its concern that the PARCC exam system has significant flaws; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Council go on record urgining the Massachusetts State Legislature to conduct appropriate hearings and investigations to address these flaws prior to further implementing PARCC; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order the Cambridge Legislative Delegation and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees on behalf of the entire City Council.