Quote:
Originally Posted by BraveMaroon
4. Standardized tests are for the birds. I understand why they're necessary, but really, they're one of many ways to gauge comprehension. They are, to paraphrase John McCain circa 2008, doing microscopic surgery with a chainsaw. As long as there are standardized tests, we will have cheating scandals that were enacted to circumvent the system.
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AMEN! I LOATHE standardized tests! In my school, testing starts in May so as of March, all regular teaching of the curriculum is put to a halt and we are to teach ONLY the "essential standards" that are tested heavily in the test so that our students can receive higher scores. We also hold tutoring sessions everyday after school for those students who are borderline being proficient so that they can score Proficient or Advanced. We don't allow the kids who are Basic or lower to enjoy these tutoring sessions b/c if they go from Far Below Basic to Basic, no points are awarded. They MUST be Proficient or Advanced.
Once we receive our scores, students who did score Proficient or Advanced get a BBQ & party during the school day. Those who did not get to stay in the classroom and work on study skills and writing & are left to reflect as to why the didn't get Proficient or Advanced. The teachers on the other hand have their scores posted noticeable so that everyone else on staff can see how they compared to every other teacher in their grade level. Then you can see how awesome you are or how much you suck as a teacher.
And people wonder why there's so much pressure put on students and teachers? Testing does not work if it is used as the ONLY means of measuring success.