Talk About Town: Do We Test Our Kids Too Much?

The Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) testing in Hartland Schools started this week for students in 3rd through 8th grades. 

The tests will continue through the end of the next week and students will be tested in areas of reading, writing, math and science depending on their grade level.

Some parents, however, are questioning the frequency of testing in schools.

A grassroots campaign started by a group of parents in Ann Arbor called STOP, which stands for "Stop over-Testing Our Pupils" have started an online petition.

According to a story from AnnArbor.com, the petition asks that the number of tests and assessments be mandated in classrooms to only those required by law and that further tests be decided by teachers.

The petition does not target the MEAP since that is a mandated test, but some parents who have already signed the petition, stated that too many tests were creating too much stress on students.

According to Ann Arbor.com, the petition coincided with the beginning of the MEAP tests to bring attention to the issue and had 89 signatures 24 hours after it opened.

So, Hartland Patch wants to know: Are your students stressed from too many tests? Do you think Hartland students are "over-tested" and started too young? 

Tell us in comments.

In this Thursday morning feature, we want to hear your opinions about certain topics making headlines. We'll be looking for your feedback in the comment section weekly. And we want to know what the Talk About Town is in your circles. Email Tatum at tatum.ryan@patch.com and it could be a topic of a future Talk About Town.