http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_3764711

District axes tests

Andrew Edwards, Staff Writer
San Bernardino County Sun

SAN BERNARDINO - District schools will not administer standardized tests Monday - the same day organizers of a massive boycott are calling on students to stay out of classes.

Superintendent Arturo Delgado made the announcement Friday, days after the San Bernardino City Unified School District dispatched a letter to parents that stated California standardized tests would be given Monday and encouraged parents to ensure their children go to school.

Delgado said he wants students to go to school that day, but he acknowledged the district's move could be interpreted as a concession to students planning to participate in the boycott.

"It is a concern that they would take it as a green light," Delgado said.

The decision to cancel tests on the day of the boycott was made by the district's principals before the letter was sent out Wednesday, he said.

Delgado made the announcement at the district's headquarters while standing next to Armando Navarro, a UC Riverside ethnic-studies professor and coordinator of the National Alliance for Human Rights. Navarro's group seeks legalization of illegal immigrants living in the United States and is calling for Latinos to stay away from school, work and stores Monday.

The idea behind "Great American Boycott" or "A Day Without Immigrants" is to demonstrate Latinos' economic clout. Rallies are planned that day to protest federal legislation that would make illegal immigration a felony and build a fence along the border between the United States and Mexico.

At the district's headquarters, Navarro reiterated his call for students to stay out of classrooms Monday.

"In participating, you're learning. You're taking part in history. You're not just being an observer," Navarro said.

Students can make a political statement without joining the boycott that day, Delgado said.

Students who attend school will be able to participate in activities ranging from assemblies and classroom discussions to opportunities to circulate petitions. Students will be encouraged to take part in off-campus rallies after school.

School district police have been directed to watch out for students' safety, but not take any action against students participating in a peaceful protest, Delgado said.

He declined to estimate how many district students might avoid classes Monday. While Delgado appreciates students' interest in national affairs, he said he is concerned the boycott will set a precedent.

"Our kids are very impressionable, but they're also more aware than they've ever been of their surroundings," Delgado said. "I would not want to see this become a recurring incident where another group comes in."

Elsewhere, officials with the Colton Joint Unified, Fontana Unified and Rialto Unified school districts said they were asking for parents' help in keeping students in school Monday.

Charles Milligan, superintendent of Fontana Unified, said students boycotting classes that day will be considered truant.

A letter circulating via e-mail has been written for parents of students not attending classes that day. The letter is written so parents can tell school officials their children did not attend class to exercise their right to protest.

Milligan said missing classes to take part in political activity is not an excused absence, and he believes boycott organizers are trying to manipulate students.

"I can't possibly see the benefit in ditching a day of school," Milligan said. "They're using kids, that's what the tragedy is. There's a reason we don't let them vote."