Las Cruces Public schools are preparing for Monday’s planned student walkout to protest the new PARCC tests.
There are a number of risks for students planning on walking out of Monday’s test. The test is necessary to receive a high school diploma. An Alternate Demonstration of Competency, which would be an end of course exam approved by the state, can be taken only if the student has attempted the PARCC test three times.
Superintendent Stan Rounds says students who walk out on Monday can still graduate if they take the make-up within the next three weeks.
“So, you walk out,” Rounds said. “If it’s peaceful, it’s using your democratic rights, we support that, that’s fine. Here’s the deal. It can’t interrupt testing that is happening, and you must make it up during this time period and we’ll accommodate you. And we are going to let your parents know your out.”
The Walkout will be considered an unexcused absence, and students will be disciplined according to individual school protocol. If a student leave the school campus, it will be considered a harsher offense.
Parents will receive a postcard in the mail with make-up information if their child does miss the test on Monday. Rounds says security measures will be in place to protect students walking out.
