Today, my third-grade son called me from the kind nurse’s office, and he was crying. He told me his jaw really hurt. I asked if he wanted to come home, but he said he didn’t think he could because of the EOGs. I reassured him, saying, “Of course you can! It’s just a test.” He replied, “If I don’t pass, I won’t go to fourth grade.” I told him that wasn’t true. I got a letter saying he’s going to fourth grade, even though I lied a bit. How did we end up here? He’s a good student, just nine years old, and it reminds me of his brother last year before the EOGs. I really don’t know what else to do. I’ve talked to the principal and the teacher, and we’ve all tried to reassure him. I’ve even met with the superintendent and chatted with Governor Roy Cooper. Just today, I spoke for a while with First Lady Cooper’s chief of staff, who, interestingly, doesn’t let her kids take the NC EOGs.
I can’t find anyone who actually praises them or sees any real benefits. People talk about showing growth, but honestly, who cares? The top schools don’t need to grow; there’s nowhere to go from there. Can someone explain how EOGs and the pressure they bring actually help my family? What message are we sending to our kids? How will they remember their elementary school days? Will they think of the amazing teachers who nurtured them, or will they just remember those tests that have little to do with the wonderful schools they attended?
I’m reaching out to everyone. Please share your thoughts and experiences with anyone willing to listen, especially those who don’t want to. Use your voice for our kids and teachers. Think of Amos and all the kids with special needs who have to read passages even if they can’t read. Fifty years ago, people fought for children of color to be integrated into schools. Ten years later, others fought for kids with disabilities to have access to public schools. Today, I’m asking you to stand up and say no to EOGs. North Carolina, we can do so much better!
