TALLAHASSEE — Throughout Florida, parents of third graders who refused to take state exams are consulting attorneys about their legal options for fighting school districts’ plans to hold back their children.
Florida law prohibits third graders who fail state reading tests from being promoted to the fourth grade, unless they are granted a “good cause” exemption. But parents who participated in a statewide “opt out” movement argue the law doesn’t apply to their children, who skipped the tests but have demonstrated reading proficiency in other ways, like through classwork.
“I’ve contacted an attorney. … We are ready to go onto the next step with legal matters,” said Jennette Edwards, whose 8-year-old son is at risk of being forced to repeat third grade in Alachua County public schools.
State law offers some options…
