Sydney Smoot, a fourth-grade student from Florida, gained nationwide attention for her bold stand against Common Core standardized testing. In a speech to the Hernando County School Board, Sydney questioned the validity of the tests that had not been tested on Florida students and suggested dividing them into smaller assessments throughout the year. Her articulate speech and thought-provoking questions earned her a standing ovation from adults and left the board in awe. Sydney also expressed concerns about a contract preventing students from discussing the test with their parents, asserting her right to talk about her education. She courageously addressed the issue independently, showing that children deserve better from the education system and inspiring hope for the future.

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