Liz Burke and the WPRO Newsroom
Opponents to the high-stakes testing graduation requirements gathered in front of Pilgrim High School Tuesday to call attention to the fact that nearly 4,200 Rhode Island students are in jeopardy of not graduating from high school due to low NECAP scores.
Starting with the class of 2014, the test will be used to determine whether or not students will receive high school diplomas.
A Group of Rhode Island Education and Rights Advocacy Organizations, including the RI ACLU, RI Legal Services, Young Voices, RI Disability Law Center, Parents, and a Former RIDE Employee gathered to speak out against the use of NECAP tests to determine graudation and proficiency.
"My daughter Catherine may struggle with her math skills but ask anyone, she is the most dedicated, harworking student you will ever meet," Said Margaret Lopes, a parent. "She goes to school knowing that her days will not be easy, but she will never give up on her dreams and her disability will not be in her way."
