MASSENA – The public is being invited to a forum this morning to discuss implications and consequences if parents refuse to allow their children to take six days of state tests which begin Tuesday.

Don Carlisto, a Saranac Lake teacher, political activist and board member of the 600,000-member New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), will appear 9:30 a.m. at the Massena Public Library, 41 Glenn St. The event is hosted by the Massena Federation of Teachers.

"I am confident that he will be able to provide us with information that will help families make informed decisions,” said Erin Covell, president of the Massena Fedeation of Teachers in an email to members.

“Like you, I have heard conflicting information regarding the implications and consequences for opting students out of the tests. I am also aware that parents in the community are seeking answers in order to arrive at an informed decision that is right for their family."

She said the aim of the meeting is to neither persuade nor dissuade families regarding the matter of whether or not their child tests.

“However, I do feel beholden to provide parents a forum in which they can ask their questions and gain factual information -- even if the answer is 'we don't know.'"

For more on the testing controversy and NYSUT's position that parents have the right to opt out of having their child tested, view earlier story.