Published: November 20, 2009 08:07 am      

PREVIEW: Controversy brewing over military exam at SHS

Some parents are upset over the way in which the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) was administered at Suwannee High this past week. The Democrat is working to gather more details concerning the matter, and awaiting additional parent and student input. A full story is expected to come.

The test, which is used by the military as a recruiting aptitude exam, was given to all 11th graders who showed up to school the day of the exam, according to Assistant Principal Jim Simpson.

Students not wanting to take the test were not properly presented with the option to opt out, but instead were told the only way to avoid taking the exam was to stay home from school, parents have told the Democrat.

"They are probably allowed to opt out, but I didn't have anyone request not to take the test," said SHS Principal Dawn Lamb.

Some parents and students are saying the opposite, however.

Donna Odom, the parent of an 11th grade Suwannee highschooler, said her son and other students complained that the options they were given were either to attend school and take the exam, or stay home while the four-hour test was administered.

"They should have had an alternative place for those who did not want to take it," Odom said.

More to come.