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CPS Dad Pens Sarcastic Absence Excuse Letter for Child

CHICAGO (CBS) —  A Chicago Public Schools (CPS) dad, Jeff Jenkins, has penned a sarcastic letter today to explain his daughter's school absence.

In it he states, "She is feeling better today and is eager to get back to school in hopes of achieving a high score on any number of Standardized Tests that will be given this year to insure that Private Corporations continue to receive huge and profitable contracts from CPS voted on by the Appointed Board of Education."

In recent years, Chicago parents and students have become vocal in their opposition to standardized testing.

In 2015, 11 percent of CPS students skipped PARCC — the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers.

According to CBSNews, "a growing cohort of parents, students and teachers are rebelling against what they consider a toxic culture of testing. And officials, including U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, have begun to listen[.]"

A comprehensive study revealed that students spend between 20 and 25 hours taking standardized tests each year.

In an email exchange with CBS 2, Jenkins says he is "using humor and irony to point out injustice and hypocrisy can be an effective way to promote dialogue and change."

Asked if he is concerned the school will not appreciate his humor, Jenkins responds, "I am confident the administration and staff will see the humor and appreciate the note. They are a wonderfully dedicated group of educators working hard for our kids each day under challenging conditions."

CBS2 has reached out to CPS for comment.

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