New York Students Brace for English and Math Tests

The so-called "Common Core" testing returns to schools in New York State, like it or not.

Parents have recently opted to keep their students out of the assessment testing, prompting the state to make some changes, including reducing the testing days for each English and Math to two days instead of two.

The English Language Arts Assessments for 3-8 grade public school students starts April 11 while the Math tests take place in May.

Opponents say parents and schools focus too much time in preparing the students to take the tests instead of actual learning while supporters say the assessments are a necessary yard-stick to keep track on student progress and teacher performance.

State education officials have held numerous hearings around New York to gain input from parents and teachers to try to reach compromise solutions to the past testing structures.