BUFFALO, N.Y. – Ninety-nine New York schools missed out on being labeled "Reward Schools" because not enough students took the state's math and English assessments last year.
For some, it may have cost more than bragging rights; some schools also lost the chance to apply for up to $75,000 in related grants.
State officials call it a consequence, not a sanction. Still, it conflicts with the widespread belief there would be no harm in parents' sitting their children out of the Common Core tests.
To be a Reward School, its students must perform well or show improvement on the tests and post a 95 percent participation rate.
For most of the 220 Reward Schools, the reward is prestige. But certain schools on the list for two years can apply for grants.
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