Rant about state testing in schools

[always quiet]

This week, 2 of my kids are taking the PSSAs. Yes, I understand that these tests are needed to make sure that the kids are learning what they need to, but I feel the schools are placing way too much pressure on these kids. Let's face it, the SCHOOLS are the ones who are being graded more than the kids are. This year, the elementary school is not only telling the kids to get a good nights sleep (nothing wrong with this all the time) and telling them if they don't have time to eat in the morning at home, they can bring breakfast in with them but they are also telling the kids that their grades will be published in the newpapers and they better do good (no pressure here ). In the middle school, they are not only giving the kids FREE breakfast, they are giving them candy during the tests to help them score better.

I think the schools need to worry about how the children are doing year-round and not just when the districts are being graded.

 

[Sirius]

 

[Sparx]

This week, 2 of my kids are taking the PSSAs. Yes, I understand that these tests are needed to make sure that the kids are learning what they need to, but I feel the schools are placing way too much pressure on these kids. Let's face it, the SCHOOLS are the ones who are being graded more than the kids are. This year, the elementary school is not only telling the kids to get a good nights sleep (nothing wrong with this all the time) and telling them if they don't have time to eat in the morning at home, they can bring breakfast in with them but they are also telling the kids that their grades will be published in the newpapers and they better do good (no pressure here ). In the middle school, they are not only giving the kids FREE breakfast, they are giving them candy during the tests to help them score better.

I think the schools need to worry about how the children are doing year-round and not just when the districts are being graded.

Well, In two weeks we will be taking the TCAP (said like it is spelled, tee-cap) And the teachers always freak over them. mainly because they aren't testing our knowledge, they are testing how well we were taught. Like last year, I had an evil geography teacher, never taught us a thing. When TCAP rolled around, people were pulling 25-65 on this test. I got somewhere around 80 something%. And I get 95-100% on most of the other tests. and everyone did ok on the other subjects, but they could look at those grades and tell that there is a prolbem with the teacher. The also make us chew gum, it is supposed to make us think better or something... They bring breakfast to the classrooms during TCAP week.

 

[RUDisney]

UGH! Don't get me started! My DS is very bright but does terribly on standardized tests. Instead of these tests being benchmarks for the kids, like they were when we took them, it will be counted as 1/2 of this quarter's grade.

In the age of OCR technology, I can't understand why they can't give some fill in the blank, essay and true and false questions on these tests. My DS does much better with these questions.

BTW, one area school, I've heard, actually advises some of its students to stay home during PSSAs so they don't bring down the school's average.

 

[clh2]

This year, the elementary school is not only telling the kids to get a good nights sleep (nothing wrong with this all the time) and telling them if they don't have time to eat in the morning at home, they can bring breakfast in with them but they are also telling the kids that their grades will be published in the newpapers and they better do good (no pressure here ).

This is hogwash! If this is an public school, they are not BY FEDERAL LAW allowed to do this - without parental permission. Please see the attached website: FERPA Info

Print out a bunch of this stuff, and have a conversation with your principal tomorrow. Also, give a bunch of this same info to other parents that you know to do the same. The fact that they are threatening the students with publishing the scores is absurd, and not allowable by federal law if the school takes in any federal funds.

I had an issue with my DD's 3rd grade teacher publishing math timed test scores in a weekly newsletter, and I did a ton of research and came up with the FERPA info. This is the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act. I didn't even ask the teacher to stop her horrid practice of publishing the scores - I just went right to the principal - with about a 1" stack of FERPA info. The score publishing stopped within 2 weeks. This is one of the battles I chose to fight. My DD's grades are not the business of anyone except DD, teacher and DH and me. That's it. It is no one else's business. PERIOD. BTW, my DD was very good with math timed-tests, I did not take up this fight to cover up that she wasn't doing well, I took it up because it was an inappropriate practice.

Good luck to your children! If possible, get them some good springtime exercise today, so they sleep well tonight.

I am not even going to go into the "school's focus on the tests, teaching to the tests, the tests grading the school/principals" issues - it would make my post way to long.

Good luck!

 

[polly p]

I agree with the over testing problem. In NY we have mandatory tests in 4th and 8th grade. The tests are designed to see how well the kids are being taught by their teachers. The kids are freaked out by them because of the teachers. I feel the teachers put everything else on hold to "prepare" the kids for these tests. They evern hold review classes for these tests in 4th grade. Why are they not teaching like they should be. I have told my kids time and time again it does not matter what their score is. They are grading your teachers not you. I too have very good students. They aren't always goood test takers though.

 

[mtblujeans]

Well, In two weeks we will be taking the TCAP (said like it is spelled, tee-cap) And the teachers always freak over them. mainly because they aren't testing our knowledge, they are testing how well we were taught. Like last year, I had an evil geography teacher, never taught us a thing. When TCAP rolled around, people were pulling 25-65 on this test. I got somewhere around 80 something%. And I get 95-100% on most of the other tests. and everyone did ok on the other subjects, but they could look at those grades and tell that there is a prolbem with the teacher. The also make us chew gum, it is supposed to make us think better or something... They bring breakfast to the classrooms during TCAP week.

What a GOOD kid you are! I am so proud of you!!

 

[denecarter]

Why are they not teaching like they should be.

I'm a science teacher in Texas... to answer your question, I would LOVE to just teach my class. I HATE the tests. I HATE the "reviewing". I HATE the tutoring our school puts some of the kids through. I HATE the benchmarks (tests used to see how well kids will do on the real test... escpecially since the district makes them up and the NEVER accurately reflect the actual test). I HATE that time is spent teaching "how to take a test" instead of real information in some classes.

Next year, Texas gets an 8th grade science test (that covers 6-8 grades)... this year, the state is giving a "Field Test" (like a practice test). This field test doesn't "count" toward our ratings... but the district is making me give a "benchmark" for a "field test"! 8th Honors Science is a high school credit course... THEY WANT ME TO STOP TEACHING THE HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT INFO TO REVIEW FOR A FIELD TEST!

From what I understand eventually, a child's score WILL count as to whether or not they get promoted... 11th graders CAN'T graduate without passing all of the required tests for example. So, it won't just be grading the teacher or the school.

Testing (and all the required tutoring, benchmarking, etc) is high on the gripe list of our faculty... if the district would just "shut up and let me teach" I'd be a happy camper. Unfortunately, we live in the "No Child Left Behind" era. And while I believe that every child should receive the best education possible, I don't think high stakes testing is the answer...

Please realize... given the choice, the teachers wouldn't even give these tests, much less devote WAY too many hours to reviewing, benchmarking, etc.

 

[Planogirl]

I'm a science teacher in Texas... to answer your question, I would LOVE to just teach my class. I HATE the tests. I HATE the "reviewing". I HATE the tutoring our school puts some of the kids through. I HATE the benchmarks (tests used to see how well kids will do on the real test... escpecially since the district makes them up and the NEVER accurately reflect the actual test). I HATE that time is spent teaching "how to take a test" instead of real information in some classes.

Next year, Texas gets an 8th grade science test (that covers 6-8 grades)... this year, the state is giving a "Field Test" (like a practice test). This field test doesn't "count" toward our ratings... but the district is making me give a "benchmark" for a "field test"! 8th Honors Science is a high school credit course... THEY WANT ME TO STOP TEACHING THE HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT INFO TO REVIEW FOR A FIELD TEST!

From what I understand eventually, a child's score WILL count as to whether or not they get promoted... 11th graders CAN'T graduate without passing all of the required tests for example. So, it won't just be grading the teacher or the school.

Testing (and all the required tutoring, benchmarking, etc) is high on the gripe list of our faculty... if the district would just "shut up and let me teach" I'd be a happy camper. Unfortunately, we live in the "No Child Left Behind" era. And while I believe that every child should receive the best education possible, I don't think high stakes testing is the answer...

Please realize... given the choice, the teachers wouldn't even give these tests, much less devote WAY too many hours to reviewing, benchmarking, etc.

Texas is the pits! NCLB seemed to be good in concept but the actual execution of it leaves a lot to be desired.

The kids spend tons of time doing practice tests and being drilled about what's on the tests and it's ridiculous. I feel for the teachers.

 

[Figment]

This is hogwash! If this is an public school, they are not BY FEDERAL LAW allowed to do this - without parental permission. Please see the attached website: FERPA Info

Print out a bunch of this stuff, and have a conversation with your principal tomorrow. Also, give a bunch of this same info to other parents that you know to do the same. The fact that they are threatening the students with publishing the scores is absurd, and not allowable by federal law if the school takes in any federal funds.

I had an issue with my DD's 3rd grade teacher publishing math timed test scores in a weekly newsletter, and I did a ton of research and came up with the FERPA info. This is the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act. I didn't even ask the teacher to stop her horrid practice of publishing the scores - I just went right to the principal - with about a 1" stack of FERPA info. The score publishing stopped within 2 weeks. This is one of the battles I chose to fight. My DD's grades are not the business of anyone except DD, teacher and DH and me. That's it. It is no one else's business. PERIOD. BTW, my DD was very good with math timed-tests, I did not take up this fight to cover up that she wasn't doing well, I took it up because it was an inappropriate practice.

Good luck to your children! If possible, get them some good springtime exercise today, so they sleep well tonight.

I am not even going to go into the "school's focus on the tests, teaching to the tests, the tests grading the school/principals" issues - it would make my post way to long.

Good luck!

What a nightmare.

anyway, It is not the schools that publish individual student scores. The state releases the scores to the newspapers by school district & by individual score. The papers then DO publish the scores. So much for your FERPA.

Actions like yours are way over the top. Why didn't you even attempt to talk to the teacher? Because you wanted to bully the teacher.

As for teaching to the test, we do not have any choice but to teach test taking strategies to our students. You see, politicians are making these rules for us to folow. Our entire educational system is being judged on the performance on these tests. It is the politicians who decided that test scores should count more than classroom achievement. Should we not attempt to have our students do as well as possible?

The fact is, we are cutting back on content in the name of skill development. I do not like it any more than you do. We are told by our administrators who are told by school board members to do so. We have no choice. Don't blame the teachers (but, from your post, I can see that it is one of your favorite pastimes).

 

[Figment]

BTW, one area school, I've heard, actually advises some of its students to stay home during PSSAs so they don't bring down the school's average.

I would HIGHLY doubt that. if there is not a 95% attendance, the schools are cited. HAving kids be absent hurts a school more than it helps it.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

In Florida we have the FCAT. When you take the test in certain grades (I know 3rd grade is one) and you don't do well then you will not get promoted to the next grade. I feel that elementary is too young to start the pass or fail and you only get one chances to take the test. What if your child makes A's and B's, but has a bad day and doesn't test well and he/she fail? Does she/he have to repeat the 3rd grade and become bored with school because she/he already knows the stuff?

I don't think testing is the answer to our school problems. Part of the problem are parents and you can't really do anything about that.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

one area school, I've heard, actually advises some of its students to stay home during PSSAs so they don't bring down the school's average.

That doesn't make sense because if you are absent on the day of testing they have make up days.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I agree Colleen. If the schools are doing their job teaching our kids what they need to know, these tests would mean not so much or would not have so much emphasis put on them. Our school has a prep test course all year prior to the PSSA.

My DD is taking the tests this week too (8th grade). They were advised to get a good night's sleep and eat breakfast.

Her school is on the danger list for at least the past two years. I know they told the kids the ramifications of not doing well, but I can't remember what she told me they had said about it.

 

[Sparx]

What a GOOD kid you are! I am so proud of you!!

Thanks!!

 

[Talking Hands]

Florida has FCATs and if you don't score high enough in certain grades you will be retained. I couldn't believe the pressure put on 3rd and 4th graders to perform this year. And the principal claimed she was trying to put less pressure on the kids. Everyday # until FCAT Day. Practice tests every Wednesday. Teaching the test and not the material. And the poor teachers of the deaf with kids on multiple levels. 4th graders mainstreamed on level and others mainstreamed at a lower level for math. All lag behind in English 2 -3 grade levels (same with ESOL, and try ESOL and deaf). Only 1 deaf child fully mainstreamed on level and he is a child from a deaf family. 2 more from a deaf family are not yet old enough for the FCAT. Oh and learning disabilities, deafness, blind, physically handicapped, etc, their grades all count towards the schools rating even when it is known that they are not on level and some are far from it.
10th graders that can't add and subtract mixed numbers.

It is a mess! I am glad my kids are no longer in school. (the are college and grad school) I wish I wasn't there either in some ways.

 

[janette]

I also hate the tests, as a texas parent I'd really rather the teachers worry more about their students understanding the subject fully than being ready for the test.

I haven't had to worry much about them with my girls, the older one has always done really well although she has to slow down and pay attention. The younger one is dyslexic with some other complications so she takes a different test for some subjects and gets modifications for the others.

I've read somewhere that NCLB will eventually limit the % of children allowed to take alternative tests or have modifications. That is crazy, how can a school control what % of their kids need alternatives.

There are schools in Texas who have cheated on the tests, there is so much pressure on the teachers. The ones that were caught were completely obvious (a consistently underperforming Dallas school scored on of the top grades in the state on one test) I'm sure many more cheat but are a little smarter about it.

Testing is an solution only for adminstrators and politicians so they can say look what we've done. I can see no value added to the childrens' education.

Testing will always have to be used as a measurement, it's hard not to have something in place but it should be a part of a larger measurement with the goal not punitive but to get help to the schools / students that need it.

 

[Figment]

I've read somewhere that NCLB will eventually limit the % of children allowed to take alternative tests or have modifications. That is crazy, how can a school control what % of their kids need alternatives.

It is nearly impossible in PA to have the alternate tese )pasa) given to students with disabilities. Students are expected to take a test on grade level, whether or not they have the aptitudeie. mental retardation, recent immigrant from a non english speaking country, etc...

HERE is the funny part...by 2012, the NCLB act demands that EVERY child be at the proficient level, regardless of IQ or learning disability....100%!!!!. It is an act designed to fail, & designed to end public education.

(by the way, i voted for & support bush...this is clearly a bipartisan disaster)

 

[Rokkitsci]

Testing (and all the required tutoring, benchmarking, etc) is high on the gripe list of our faculty... if the district would just "shut up and let me teach" I'd be a happy camper. Unfortunately, we live in the "No Child Left Behind" era. And while I believe that every child should receive the best education possible, I don't think high stakes testing is the answer...

I have to disagree. I am a great proponent of testing - high stakes included. I have not looked at a science test, but I have looked at the math tests. If the content of the science test is anywhere near the content of the math test, I would have to ask you = "what are you teaching if you are not teaching the stuff on the test?"
I have found NOTHING on the math test that should not be taught. In fact, the only problem I have is that I don't have time to get around to teaching all the stuff that is on the test because I have to spend so much time reviewing really basic fundamentals that ought not have to be reviewed in high school.
I look forward to the day that these evil standardized tests force teachers in lower levels to actually TEACH MATH instead of whatever it is that they would "rather be teaching." It is my opinion that you should not even CONSIDER teaching anything else as long as students cannot master these standard tests. These tests are NOT HARD. They are EXTREMELY EASY. If a student cannot nail these tests, it proves that he doesn't KNOW the subject. It shows that he may have "learned" some pet ideas of his particular teacher, or knows how to parrot some stuff is asked with 'just the right words' but is woefully uneducated in the subject.
I have never undertood the reluctance of teachers to have their students take these tests, unless they are afraid that their shortcomings will be revealed.
I WANT to know if what I am teaching prepares my students to answer when SOMEONE ELSE asks them a question.

 

[Figment]

I have to disagree. I am a great proponent of testing - high stakes included. I have not looked at a science test, but I have looked at the math tests. If the content of the science test is anywhere near the content of the math test, I would have to ask you = "what are you teaching if you are not teaching the stuff on the test?"
I have found NOTHING on the math test that should not be taught. In fact, the only problem I have is that I don't have time to get around to teaching all the stuff that is on the test because I have to spend so much time reviewing really basic fundamentals that ought not have to be reviewed in high school.
I look forward to the day that these evil standardized tests force teachers in lower levels to actually TEACH MATH instead of whatever it is that they would "rather be teaching." It is my opinion that you should not even CONSIDER teaching anything else as long as students cannot master these standard tests. These tests are NOT HARD. They are EXTREMELY EASY. If a student cannot nail these tests, it proves that he doesn't KNOW the subject. It shows that he may have "learned" some pet ideas of his particular teacher, or knows how to parrot some stuff is asked with 'just the right words' but is woefully uneducated in the subject.
I have never undertood the reluctance of teachers to have their students take these tests, unless they are afraid that their shortcomings will be revealed.
I WANT to know if what I am teaching prepares my students to answer when SOMEONE ELSE asks them a question.

I think that you are missing the larger point. I expect the students I do to do well on these test...IF THEY APPLY THEMSELVES. But, in PA, there is no incentive for students to take these tests seriously. They do not affect graduation or grade advancement. All they do is assess teachers. But, if the students do not take them seriously, and the scores are bad, what then? The teachers look incompetent, even though they could be doing a good job. Many times, administrators' jobs rest on the results of test scores. Kids know this. There are principals that Kids do not like. There is a movement among the kids to bomb the test this week in an effort to oust the administrator. Is this what you are in favor of? The testing in the classroom environment can assess whether or not a child is achieving at an adequate level. As professionals, we should be respected enough to monitor their achievement. Sadly, we are not.