BUFFALO, N.Y. -- With all-important state testing about to begin across New York, the president of the teachers union in Buffalo city schools says he's heard complaints about pizza parties or field trips dangled in front of students in exchange for not opting out.

Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore says the BTF has received several complaints about teachers and administrators pressuring students into taking the exams, singling out students by offering incentives.

There is no rule requiring students to participate, and the decision is typically made by the parent. Rumore says this could lead to undue disappointment for a student, or worse.

"Your parents have decided they're going to take you out, not have you take the test, it doesn't help the teacher or you in anyway, but you don't get to go to an ice cream social or field trip," Rumore said.

"And if you're in a class, the whole class might not be able to go to a field trip, because there's a low number. So what are the kids around you going to do? You're going to become bullied by some of those kids. I think it's close to child abuse." 

In a statement, Buffalo Public Schools says its teachers always incentivize students for things like doing good work or regular attendance, and any incentive for state testing is no different. Rumore said the union is pushing for the school district to adopt a policy to clearly end incentives for state testing.

Buffalo city schools already have relatively low opt-out numbers for grades 3 - 8. In 2017, 15.2 percent of students opted out of math exams, with 11.8 percent opting out of ELA.  A district spokesperson believes they are on track to have even lower opt-out numbers in 2018.