Can I just state unequivocally that I hate standardized tests? In the state of Indiana, we give the ISTEP once a year in the fall. Fine, I understand that we do need to measure student progress and learning; however, with the introduction of No Child Left Behind (and don't even get me started on that) a few years back, the tests have grown and grown.
Indiana is switching ISTEP testing from the fall to the spring. This means that this year, we have to give it twice to ensure that progress is measured accurately. Fine, I understand that it has to happen like that, but to make it worse, we are now giving another test called Acuity. Acuity is given FOUR times a year, and it is done to measure how students will do on the ISTEP test. Oh, yes, you read that right, we are now testing the kids to see how they will do on a test.
It frustrates me to no end. I'm losing I don't know how class time to these tests, not to mention that it burns out teachers and students. While there are some merits to the Acuity test, in that it can show me what areas students are struggling, I feel the tests are flawed. For one, the tests are given on the computer, despite my team arguing for paper/pencil test. I think online tests are AWFUL. For one, when kids are on a computer, they tend to just CLICK CLICK CLICK and be done. Trust me, I saw it done today. For another, it is detrimental to kids who are struggling readers. I encourage kids to follow along under a line of words with their pencil or finger. You can't do that on a computer. Perhaps it's more environmental, and trust me, I'm all about being green as much as possible, but in this case, I prefer to use paper. Then there's the sheer fact of the loss of class time! We had shortened class periods today due to the testing, so instead of spending an entire 45 minute class period on Characterization, over which students will be quizzed, I rushed through the notes in 20 minutes.
I don't normally vent my frustrations on public education, because I love my job, and I hate to add to some of the already negative connotations when it comes to public education, but something has got to give with the testing.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
I hate testing too. NCLB is so screwed up.
Since you are a teacher I want to ask you a question. Do you think its fair, to give a 1st grader 24 pages of homework a week that has to be completed by Friday?
Haley's teacher does this and I think its a lot of work. This means in 4 days she has to do 6 pages a day and it takes an hour and a half! I'm frustrated
Here in Texas we have benchmark testing (chart progress) 4 times a year, plus the official TAKS tests (high stakes testing - you do not pass to the next grade if you don't pass) in 2-4 subjects (depending on grade) with different months for different tests each year.
Seriously.
We basically just test. I'm not sure when we are supposed to teach.
Oy. Don't even get me started on the state testing. Blech.
Oh and to Kristen...24 pages of homework in a week is ABSURD in first grade!
Oh my word, NO! I do not even give that much homework to 8th graders. That's a lot. The thing is, I don't give a lot of homework. Homework should be given sparingly to review what was taught in class. With that much homework, how can it be review?
I can not even begin to imagine your frustration, you exhibit to us what a wonderful, caring teacher you are. I would think kids would be much better off and learn so much more if teachers were actually allowed to teach.
It seems as if Life is a test nowadays! I can't stand testing either!!
I completely agree with you. Here in Georgia many schools don't really teach the children what they need to know they teach for the tests. I know this to be true because I saw it first hand when I was an Americorps volunteer. It irritated the teachers to no end but they had to do it. A change is needed for sure.
This is such a tough topic. I, too, had a problem with relinquishing class time for testing. When I retired from teaching 5 years ago, the testing was just kicking into high gear. Now I speak with friends in the profession who are so frustrated with the tests upon tests upon tests. Kids are frustrated. Parents are frustrated. There is still something to be said for daily class work, portfolios, writing samples, departmental tests within schools and even districts... all designed to fully evaluate a student's progress (and make sure the teachers are on track, too).
... not to mention the COSTS of the standardized tests and scoring of the tests. Phew...
My grandchildren are just getting going on the test merry-go-round, and I am right on the forefront of change.
Excellent post. It demands even more discussion...
A-M-E-N SISTER! I, too, HATE, DISPISE, standardized testing! It is amazing what the government puts our kids and US through these days!
Have a glass of wine, or two, or three...and ENJOY your weekend! :)
Sooooooo happy to be taking the year off! NCLB STINKS!
Post a Comment