Save Holmdel Education

Why the Petition?

Did you know many teachers do not return tests or assessments—even in middle school?

Withholding tests and assessments has serious consequences:

1. It deprives students of essential feedback and opportunities for learning.

2. It limits parental oversight, hindering their ability to support their children.

3. It prevents the correction of grading errors or flawed questions.

The school’s justifications for this practice are unconvincing:

a) To Prevent Cheating

Holmdel is not unique. Schools worldwide address this by creating alternate versions of tests. Even elite universities return assessments. Prioritizing academic integrity should not come at the cost of student learning.

b) Office Hours Are Available

This is insufficient:

i. Limited availability makes scheduling difficult.

ii. Students who struggle with a teacher’s method may need outside help—which they can’t seek effectively without test details.

iii. Students learn best when they can review material at their own pace and on their own time.

c) You Can Request to View the Test

The current process is inadequate and discouraging:

i. Parents must take time off work and schedule meetings.

ii. Review sessions are brief, monitored, and prohibit copying or note-taking.

iii. Tests cannot be taken home.

This policy hinders learning, reduces transparency, and serves the convenience of the system rather than the needs of students.

Please sign our petition urging the Holmdel school district to reverse this practice and allow tests and assessments to be returned to students and parents. Doing so will foster better learning, accountability, and educational outcomes.

Thank you.

Save Holmdel Education