FairTest: The Weekly Report on Resistance to High-Stakes Standardized Tests

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1. Cap Lee says:

   August 25, 2015 at 5:40 pm

   It is clear that people are getting wise to the test. However, we must be sure we don’t insult parents by not presenting a plan for local assessment that is a viable alternative to the testing fiasco. The Collins-Sanders amendment ( read at http://www.wholechildreform.com ) is a beginning as it allows innovative assessment in lieu of the test. This is not a be all end all but it does open the door to innovative assessment which will drive an innovative curriculum,

   However, the most powerful selling point public education has is being hidden under a bushel. As long as we continue to ignore the strength of the public school teacher, we will continue to have problems and schools will continue to close.

   The fully certified public school teacher is the best at innovation. Innovation meaning finding the best way to educate children. Fully certified teachers know that kids can’t be pushed into a singular box of word games and math riddles. Fully certified teachers know that children learn in different ways and at different rates. Yet we continue to ONLY argue against the test without putting our strongest asset in the fore front.

   I,for one, am not ashamed of quality, fully certified public school teachers that have the ability to innovate. Not every teacher is great, but there are more in the public school system and given the opportunity to take back their profession, they will do so.

   Yes, we need a fair an equitable accountability plan, not based on the test but based on the ability to innovate. Those teachers who don’t respond to support and want to teach to the test won’t fit into a new system of education. But public school teachers, by far, are better prepared to serve all kids given a system and philosophy that is designed to respect the intelligence and abilities of all children.

   To simply say we are against the test, and push for opt out without an alternative not only insults the parents but disrespects those teachers that are waiting in the wings to take back their profession.

   We must realize that change comes slowly, step by step. With the Collins – Sanders amendment that window of opportunity opens a crack. But that’s all we need to dive through it. But we won’t do it simply by saying no to the test. It’s time to let our professionalism come to the forefront. Stop bashing, it is unbecoming of professionals. And start showing of the skills that public school teachers have, the skill of innovation that respects each child as an individual.

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   • Akademos says:

     August 25, 2015 at 6:12 pm

     Let’s continue this conversation!

     Innovation is huge now, but not every educator needs to be massively innovative, just flexible enough to accept and work with the innovation of others, in my humblest opinion.

     I do anticipate a sea change in the way we assess. We need to start/continue substantive conversations now. I’ve already seen several recent comments along this line.

     Reply
2. LeftCoastTeacher says:

   August 25, 2015 at 7:52 pm

   I am so buoyed by the Phi Delta Kappan report, by the support of fairtest and all of its allies, and by the Every Child Achieves bill. Cap Lee, you are so right. The idea that teachers just wanted to avoid any responsibility is nothing but vulture capitalist propaganda. Process over product, I always say. You are all life savers! My humble thanks and keep it up!

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3. Akademos says:

   August 25, 2015 at 9:20 pm

   Here’s a really stupid conflation of proficiency scores and trophies.

   http://www.usnews.com/opinion/knowledge-bank/2015/08/25/no-participation-trophies-for-common-core

   One reason for the failure of many business and data people to understand education is their inability to get past or properly contextualize competition. Learning should not be treated like a competitive sport; there are so many modes and mixtures of absorption, insight and plateaus.

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4. drext727 says:

   August 25, 2015 at 11:40 pm

   Reblogged this on David R. Taylor-Thoughts on Education.

   Reply
5. Karen Treon says:

   August 25, 2015 at 11:40 pm

   This compilation of articles is so helpful. I have a request. Diane – I would love to see a series of Public Education 101 articles. So many people are getting engaged now but they are coming to the party a bit late. I was at a meeting last week where many parents clearly had significant reservations about high-stakes testing, yet when they heard that the Arizona Board of Education would be tying our “cut scores” to NAEP levels, they were relieved (NAEP was touted as the “gold standard” of standardized testing.) To those who have been following the bouncing ball for a while, these positions are incongruous. I find it hard to explain this incongruity succinctly, however. There are great articles and posts on the topic, but most of those assume previous knowledge on the subject. Is NPE thinking of doing something like this? If not, will NPE consider it? I can think of a number of topics off the top of my head. The business community and those who favor testing ad nauseum have their FAQs pretty refined. Can we put together a series of issue statements that are stand alone and comprehensive and can educate parents who are new to this fight? (Note I say “we,” but this non-teacher is hoping that the experts can do it! ) if it already exists, can you point me in the right direction? Please think about this. It could be a very valuable tool for all of us.

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