By Adam Studzinski

NORMAL – Bloomington-Normal high school students chanted “standardized tests have got to go” as they protested the PARCC exam in Uptown Normal Monday afternoon.

The rally was organized by the BloNo Student Union. Students believe the test is too long and takes away from time in the classroom which could be spent learning.

“It’s supposed to measure college and career readiness, but there’s no evidence to prove that,” said Normal Community High School senior Lambert Li. “It’s just a waste of money and a waste of time.”

The exam is based on Common Core standards. Li said it’s not Common Core he has a problem with.

“The PARCC doesn’t accurately measure student’s ability to achieve those standards,” he said.

Bloomington High School sophomore Alexandra Cordale said the test also creates a financial burden for schools.

“It’s a mainly online test and it’s difficult for impoverished schools to get funding for all this equipment that’s needed to take these tests,” said Cordale. “Of course, there are written test, but they’re not the same as the electronic test.”

Cordale was one of a few students in her class who refused to take the exam this year. She said her teacher was a little frustrated with this, but at the same time understood their reasoning.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].