The topic that I chose to research and complete a PSA on is an issue that is faced across the country by teachers;
High Stakes Testing.
High stakes tests in West Virgina currently begin in the 3rd grade and end in the 11th grade. However, with the addition of the 'Smarter Balanced' reform and tests students will begin testing as early as kindergarten across the nation.
In most states, including WV, high stakes tests are tied to teacher and administrator evaluations and pay. All students learn differently (hence the push for differentiated instruction across the curriculum) yet they are all expected to complete the same paper/pencil or computer tests to evaluate their progress. As an educator, I have definite issues with this.
The following are dangerous consequences related to high stakes testing:
1. Unfair to students; many students do not test well, therefore basing their yearly progress on a once a year progress is just asinine.
a. test anxiety
b. actual learning isn't shown on standardized tests resulting in inaccurate scores
2. Teaching to the Test - teachers and administrators understand the value placed on these tests and will base their instruction on the test
3. Loss of Teachers - over the past 14 years I have personally witnessed teaching practices change based on yearly tests. As a teacher that plans to make this my life work die to my love of children and the belief that I can make a difference in their lives; I find it frustrating that my instruction is driven by government and state officials that have never stepped foot in a classroom nor have witnessed what we teachers see everyday.
Darlene kudos to you! This is coming from a person who still has test anxiety. I totally agree with your comments.Every child learns differently and teachers should not be expected to teach them the same across the board. I hate testing I think it stresses kids out and prevents them from showing their true knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI have seen students bomb ACT's and SAT's over and over because of test anxiety and yet carry a B or C average in class what does that say, is it the the teachers fault? or the students? or do we just chalk it up to oh well just take it again and do your best.
I think teachers have enough on their plate. I can't wait to see your PSA.