Teachers, Standardized Tests, the Union - Responses?

[lvll138inrs]

unions are against anything that promote competition. to them competition is horrible.

[nubbybongwater]

Let me suggest a book. It's called The Death and Life of the Great American School

System by Diane Ravitch. She was HW Bush's undersecretary of Education but after seeing the effects of NCLB, had a change of heart. She's one of the few

government administrators that "gets" it. It's commendable that you're reaching

out and seeking the truth. The answer to your question is complex but briefly,

the union has little effect on curriculum. That is not the main function of the union.

[baseballnolie34]

No, you can't really boost scores on a well-designed, non-multiple choice test. The problems with s.t.'s are that they're multiple choice and turnaround times are long.

FWIW, I'm against multiple choice tests in almost every subject. If I was a teacher, I would only rarely use them, and not for anything important.

[baseballnolie34]

Furthermore, it's really easy to boost your score without improving your knowledge. There are tons of statistical and guessing strategies that kids can use to artificially inflate their scores, and my guess is low-scorers either don't know these or aren't motivated enough to use them. But if a teacher wanted to boost scores without adding anything of value to the kids' education, this would be a fantastic way to do it.

[baseballnolie34]

Quite frankly, teacher's unions deserve virtually no blame for teaching to the test. As a matter of public policy, schools can be punished for low-performance or lack of gains on standardized tests. This creates an incentive to teach to the test that exists with or without the union's input.

As a high-scoring student, I think these tests are next to worthless. Teachers don't get feedback fast enough to help students improve, and even if they did most of these tests don't disclose the questions.

[anonymouscali]

I also disagree with tenure! If you are a good teacher then your teaching will keep you in the classroom. What other job can you work 3-5 years and be protected for life? I have had bad teachers (and worked with some) but because of tenure "there's nothing we can do".

I think on paper NCLB is great! Children should be at grade level - however the reality of it happening so fast isn't there!

Education needs a MAJOR reform starting at the top!!!

[anonymouscali]

I am a teacher and I don't agree with the way standardized testing has engulfed the classroom. I do agree that many teach only to the test (and having teacher's salary based on test scores will dramatically increase this!).

[computerdude10]

I'm a high school student and I can tell you that standardized tests are a total waste of time. The math test required to graduate high school only tests through Algebra 1 (about 25% of our seniors have made it through Calculus 2). The requirements are so low that children passing the tests can easily still be left behind. Based on what I've seen though it seems to be the governments fault above the teachers/unions fault. Most teachers I've talked to about this are against the tests.

[beanybeans11]

whoops, computer issues! sorry for all the extra posts!

[beanybeans11]

I am a pre-service teacher, and where I live, the union is against standardized testing because of the effect they have on student learning. I, like the union, agree that these tests do not account for different learning styles and greatly narrow the curriculum. They also de-professionalize the job of the teacher, as teachers assess everyday to respond to students learning needs.Just another example of intrusive governmental agendas-a slap in the face to 'real' student learning and to teachers!

[chuckbutt]

And perhaps I need to know a little more about the union and what they are advocating. All I know is that standardized testing just seems to be a way to get as many people through the system as possible.

[beanybeans11]

I am a pre-service teacher, and where I live, the teacher's union is against standardized tests. I agree with them that not only do they curb student learning, and narrow the curriculum, they also de-professionalize the job of the teacher. As (so-called) trained professionals, we already assess students everyday in order to respond to their learning needs - these tests are just another example of intruding government agendas and are a slap in the face to 'real' learning and to teachers!

[BuildingTheBusiness]

Standardized tests remove bias in scoring. They are the equivalent to the RDA of nutritional labels. If kids know only the minimum to pass, they will be "malnourished." It is up to the parent to provide education that goes beyond what is taught in class. Schools prepare students to be average.

[chuckbutt]

Great points, and I agree with you that schools prepare students to be average. It's a parent's job to instill a sense of continuing their education outside of the classroom.

[UFCWLOCAL152]

They still are needed. You should thank unions for the 40 hour work week, over-time pay, 8 hour work days, and healthcare abd benefits.

[chuckbutt]

I agree. It's just I worry that the teacher's union is more focused on making sure they get what they want by adhering to standardized testing vs. what's right for the children. I don't see how making sure every kid knows how to pass a test is right for every kid. Seems to be teaching to the lowest common denominator instead of to the level of each child. And thanks for the comment!

[markward2000]

Parents have the right to exempt their kids from these high-stakes tests. That said, the "No Child Left Behind" Act demands that at least 95% of students attending a given public school are tested. If this number is not reached, the school fails to make "Adequate Yearly Progress" and risks being sanctioned. As an active member in my union, I can tell you that I am far from alone in resisting these high-stakes tests.

[LukeUlrich]

Hi, my name is Luke and I am a student here in Oregon. Around 4 years ago I moved to America, and without bashing the American system too much, I think the school system is absolutely ridiculous. As you have mentioned, the entire goal in the end is just to meet the requirements put forth from the government, and not to actually learn a damn thing. Several of my peers get straight A's, but couldn't tell you the first thing about any of the classes they are in.

[cmgollatz]

Kids not learning? That's the direct result of teachers Unions. Ever try firing an bad teacher? Well you can't. Unions protect teachers from job competition. That's why you see them fighting against competition that School Vouchers would create because the money would follow the kid. If the state says they spend 10 grand a year on each student, then why not just give the student 10 grand to go to whatever school he/she wants too? Say maybe a private school which is measurably more competitive.

[tlg847]

Nice initial foray into vlogging, Chuck. The topic is certainly a hot one and I hope folks pick up on your invitation to contribute. BTW, you might find of interest a video I did back in early December entitled, "Do Arguments Change Minds?" And, thanks for subscribing.

[chuckbutt]

I'll check it out. I didn't have time before work this morning to delve into too many of your videos, but I was intrigued by some of the titles (which is the point, isn't it?). Thanks!

[cmgollatz]

I prefer to think of it as challenging ones mind as to trying to change ones mind.