Only 7 percent of teachers believe in standardized tests, says good.is
As the author writes, 'If growing numbers of parents are considering opting out
of standardized testing, and teachers themselves don't believe high
stakes tests as essential to learning, why are we ramping up the amount
of testing in our schools?'
Update: Tennessee is now factoring in standardized test scores into elementary students' course grades. As the Tennessean said, ...the scores will count for 15-25 percent of all test-takers’
second-semester grades. Tennessee is believed to be the first
state in the country with this brand of widespread student
accountability in grades three through eight. While teachers welcome the
change, the new rules are rattling some students’ confidence and have
parents questioning the benefits.
At least 35 percent of teacher evaluations are based on the learning gains that the TCAP tests measure. “Teachers
said, ‘We’re the ones being graded all the time — the kids don’t have
any skin in the game,’ ” said Rep. Debra Maggart, R-Hendersonville, who
supported the new law. “They don’t take these tests seriously."
Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman said it’s too early to gauge whether the changes will improve test scores.
So, what's happening is that the craziness to hold people accountable to numbers is trickling down, and now 8 year olds are worrying if they're smart enough to meet the scores. Great. What about addressing the root of the issue, like better teacher prep programs, better teacher development and coaching, and better tools for school-family integration? We're headed in a great direction, U.S. Education System.
Interestingly enough, I'm reading a book about that very subject at the moment.
ReplyDeleteIt's called "The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education," by Diane Ravitch.
She examines the rise of accountability-and-choice-based reform and the impact it has had on our school systems.
She basically answers that question in the book, pointing to rise of reform legislation such as NCLB for the increased focus on tests in schools, since that's how they are evaluated under the legislation.
Oh I've had that book on my "to read" list for a while now! You might have just spurred me to actually get it and read it.
ReplyDeleteYou should! It's a very interesting read.
ReplyDelete