Education "reformers" don't care how this testing affects our kids. Caring about the kids would interfere with the whole - breaking the unions, closing schools, opening charters for profit - frenzy.
Angela's experience was terrible, but I think the test does serve a needed purpose (in execution it should be improved, certainly). If not for the test would Angela have been given all the extra tutoring and help? The greater question is whether or not she should even be promoted to the next grade.
English language skills are critical to success. A more exposure to fifth grade can only benefit her; without the test she would have been promoted without regard to her progress.
@viper5dn Wouldn't standard teacher testing/assessing through the multiple forms of measurement have served the same purpose you mention? If a student struggles, high stakes or not, that student should receive help.
Putting all the stock of a student's future into one test given in one arbitrary day isn't a true estimate of what the student knows or can achieve. Heck, research dictates that test gains can vary wildly depending on a number of factors. is being a good test-taker = a good student?
Regardless of the cause however- she should not have been subjected to that. It's cruel and unusual punishment. I have concerns on many levels- more than 400 char. allow. The standard of grouping students by age rather than ability is factory like. Advanced students are limited in their opportunity to truly excel, and students who need more time to percolate and get the hang of things dont. Instead they're pushed ahead before their ready & then fall further behind- or get bored & lose interest.
Is Angela an otherwise bright child? I assume she has had a regular eye chart test, but she's never had a comprehensive learning vision exam. My own son (with 20/20 vision) was having difficulty reading, we had the exam done w/ a specialist & right there in the office with the correct lenses on he began reading more fluently than I'd ever heard. Turned out his eyes were just slightly crossed making the words double on top of themselves. He wasn't struggling with reading but with VISION.
Considering that education is supposed to be enlivening and exciting, I don't think that Angela is getting much for her money. But really, she has the misfortune to live in a state which is racing to bottom as fast as it can. She is showing the determination and self discipline that will always be with her, and she is getting the care and compassion of the teachers. Hopefully her family will find a place to live in a better state so she gets some rewards for all her effort.
This would have been more effective if Angela told her story. Although I do not doubt the truth of your story, your passionate bias against testing comes through and might be misconstrued as a resistance to accountability.
Education "reformers" don't care how this testing affects our kids. Caring about the kids would interfere with the whole - breaking the unions, closing schools, opening charters for profit - frenzy.
rjdc1991 9 months ago
I don't understand the seriousness behind the test.... when they're in fifth grade!
corduroysays 9 months ago
Angela's experience was terrible, but I think the test does serve a needed purpose (in execution it should be improved, certainly). If not for the test would Angela have been given all the extra tutoring and help? The greater question is whether or not she should even be promoted to the next grade.
English language skills are critical to success. A more exposure to fifth grade can only benefit her; without the test she would have been promoted without regard to her progress.
viper5dn 9 months ago
@viper5dn Wouldn't standard teacher testing/assessing through the multiple forms of measurement have served the same purpose you mention? If a student struggles, high stakes or not, that student should receive help.
Putting all the stock of a student's future into one test given in one arbitrary day isn't a true estimate of what the student knows or can achieve. Heck, research dictates that test gains can vary wildly depending on a number of factors. is being a good test-taker = a good student?
PaladinHero1 9 months ago
Regardless of the cause however- she should not have been subjected to that. It's cruel and unusual punishment. I have concerns on many levels- more than 400 char. allow. The standard of grouping students by age rather than ability is factory like. Advanced students are limited in their opportunity to truly excel, and students who need more time to percolate and get the hang of things dont. Instead they're pushed ahead before their ready & then fall further behind- or get bored & lose interest.
KellyLCheatle 9 months ago
Is Angela an otherwise bright child? I assume she has had a regular eye chart test, but she's never had a comprehensive learning vision exam. My own son (with 20/20 vision) was having difficulty reading, we had the exam done w/ a specialist & right there in the office with the correct lenses on he began reading more fluently than I'd ever heard. Turned out his eyes were just slightly crossed making the words double on top of themselves. He wasn't struggling with reading but with VISION.
KellyLCheatle 9 months ago
Considering that education is supposed to be enlivening and exciting, I don't think that Angela is getting much for her money. But really, she has the misfortune to live in a state which is racing to bottom as fast as it can. She is showing the determination and self discipline that will always be with her, and she is getting the care and compassion of the teachers. Hopefully her family will find a place to live in a better state so she gets some rewards for all her effort.
JohnTwittyun 9 months ago
This would have been more effective if Angela told her story. Although I do not doubt the truth of your story, your passionate bias against testing comes through and might be misconstrued as a resistance to accountability.
survivorfan78 9 months ago
In answer to your question: No, it is not right! These high-stakes tests have ruined school for teachers and students.
(from a recently retired Texas school teacher who loved school and her students)
AustexGeezer 9 months ago 3
This is sad. No it is not right! Life is not a multiple choice test.
dprindle1 9 months ago 4