According to Fox News, the new Common Core “Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers,” or PARCC tests, prompted walkouts in multiple New Mexico schools this week:

“…a few hundred students at Albuquerque High School joined the walkout despite warnings from administrators that they could face discipline. About 100 other students at nearby Highland High School also left class as testing began…The walkouts and demonstrations began last week in Santa Fe…”

Hundreds of #LasCruces students protest PARCC test. #parccwalkout http://t.co/6mNbN7vl8d pic.twitter.com/ha3yn3sc1Q

— Las Cruces Sun-News (@CrucesSunNews) March 3, 2015

Fox News also reports:

“Opponents say the exams distract from real learning, put added stress on students and staff members, and waste resources…[but New Mexico Education Secretary Hanna] Skandera said the test isn’t an additional exam, just a better version of the state standards exam it replaced.”

Albuquerque ABC affiliate KOAT reported what several students had to say about the protests:

Juanito Lucero of Del Norte High School: “This PARCC test is really ridiculous. Bring it down, and use the money for something else.”

Danielle Romero, also of Del Norte: “Make a stand. Just stop this. This is like, a waste of our time. We’re trying to learn…”

Vanessa Alcala of South Valley Academy: “We decided that in order to get awareness, we need to group up with other schools.”

very successful day one of the #PARCCWALKOUT so proud that so many AHS students participated (thx to @papaya__maya ) pic.twitter.com/mUjiwp7kbN

— alyssa m. ॐ (@uhhIyssa) March 3, 2015

These walkouts aren’t the only form of protest to Common Core standards, as parents, and children in several other states are fighting against the exams.

KCCI reports:

“PARCC tests have generated controversy across the country, with many parents and students opting out of the exams. Others are lobbying lawmakers and education officials for change.”

Students say Mayfield High is a “No #PARCC‘ing zone.” #PARCCWALKOUT #LCNM #LASCRUCES pic.twitter.com/QSBiFw12ZI

— Damien Willis (@damienwillis) March 2, 2015

Maya Quinones of Alburqurque High said, according to Fox:

“If we make something happen, if next year comes around and the PARCC test is gone, then I feel like we’re successful…And you know what? As long as I get my diploma, I’m all right. I don’t have to walk in line.”

The fight over Common Core is far from over — in fact, it only seems to be intensifying.

http://www.ijreview.com/2015/03/262231-hundreds-students-walk-protest-common-core/