To the editor: "Students, parents can not opt out." So says the edict form the editorial regarding state PARCC testing. Got it? It makes no difference what your reasons are. You must surrender your children to something you think is detrimental to them in order that the greater good is served. Besides, your reasons are "silly," along the same vein as opting out of shoveling snow in the winter. What a glib way to portray a parent's concern for their child. There are many unanswered questions regarding state testing, and the fact that the rules keep changing is just leading to more concern, questions, confusion and suspicion. For example, when it comes to state testing being a graduation requirement, the editorial states "school officials have made no such claim." Guess again. That will be in place in less than five years. Your child's privacy is protected by the state but the state makes and changes the rules. Soon, college transcripts will include the results of state testing. Surprise! Then what can the colleges do with the information? More surprises. Where are parents to turn? They can't go to school administrators; school districts are in too deep to be objective. How about the local School Committee? No, they had most of their teeth knocked out of their heads by state and federal laws and mandates years ago. Sorry, the toothless tigers can't (or won't) help, not to mention the fact that they must dance to the federal piper's tune or lose millions in funding. Parents can't go to the Department of Education wither; they're appointed, not elected, so the untouchables can't be voted out. Opt out has become a big deal because it is the only avenue left for a disenfranchised group of concerned parents. An open dialogue is being touted as the best possible solution, but without the opt out option, that dialogue is disingenuous. In the end, they'll be forced to do it, so it makes no difference. Sort of like a shotgun wedding, isn't it? We'll talk about your objections to the relationship after you say "I do." So if you can't convince people by reasonable persuasion, just force them to do it. What a way to do business. Oh well, these folks are out there in left field somewhere anyway and are acting unreasonable. Or maybe they have a point. But what difference does it make? The majority will just mandate the thing and that will be that. Or will it? There's an old expression: There are two people you don't mess with — a lady with a baby and a man with a mission. And when it comes to committed, angry parents, you're messing with both. On that, I wish you luck. You're going to need it.

William M. O'Dell Bristol

William O'Dell is a member of the Bristol Warren Regional School Committee.