Carl Chew is a sixth grade science teacher in a Seattle middle school. The WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) is the state test. Each year Mr. Chew has had growing reservations regarding the value of the test and its impact on his students and the educational process. This year he decided to commit an act of civil disobedience and on April 15th he met with school administrators and indicated that he would not administer the test. As a consequence of his act of insubordination, he has been suspended without pay for nine days. 

On April 22, Mr. Chew issued a statement on the internet to explain why he refused to administer the test. While we may have varying opinions on Carl Chew’s decision, he has focused attention on the test and many of the issues he raises in his four page statement will resonate with critics of high stakes testing.

Read the statement here

Seattle Times article April 22, 2008