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Parent urges district to notify families after AP testing interruption; board pledges follow-up
Summary
A parent said an AP Statistics test was interrupted by a fire alarm, leaving students outside while the test clock continued; the parent said families received no communication about retesting options. The board agreed to send a letter to parents explaining the incident and retest procedures and to explore air-conditioned testing locations for future exams.
A parent told the William Penn board that her son and peers were forced to continue an AP Statistics exam outdoors after a fire alarm, losing testing time when the clock continued, and that the district did not notify families about retest options.
"They had to leave. They were out there for a while, maybe 20... the time clock for the testing did not stop," the parent, Samantha Folks, said, describing the disruption and the lack of follow-up communication about whether and how students could retest.
The proctor reportedly offered students the option to retest, but Folks said parents received no formal notice and she was unsure of the retest protocol. "I shouldn't have to be the one to initiate that conversation," she said.
Board members agreed the situation should have been communicated to families and asked administrators to send a letter explaining the incident, how to register for a retest and the district’s plans for avoiding similar outcomes during future high-stakes testing. The board also discussed ensuring air-conditioned testing spaces when possible for summer and AP/SAT exams.
Why it matters: High-stakes tests can affect college credit and opportunities; interruptions and a lack of clear communication can disadvantage students. The board committed to follow-up and to clarifying retest protocols.
What’s next: Administration will draft and send a parent notification explaining what occurred, outline retest registration procedures, and consider logistical options to ensure air-conditioned test spaces going forward.
