Tests More Problem Than Solution
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Standardized testing is just a scapegoat.
There. I said it. I’m an educator and a parent, and I’m sorry to inform you that standardized testing isn’t the magic bullet to solve our problems in education. Even colleges are trying to put the tests in perspective.
The exams are just a way to cast blame, and in this case, all fingers point to the teachers.
Yes, we need standards. Yes, we need to assess our children so we know whether they’re learning. Yes, teachers should be held accountable. But teaching children isn’t that simple. It’s not just about trying to fix the teachers so the students can learn.
I’m getting real tired of the mentality that kids aren’t learning because teachers aren’t teaching or don’t know how provide proper instruction. All of our lives would be easier if teaching was that simple.
I understand our society’s need for easy solutions. But if you’ve never taught – trust me – you have no idea of the challenges we face in the classroom. Especially in many urban schools. And many of the challenges are beyond our control, such as home environment, learning disabilities, emotional well-being, physical health, parental involvement, school resources, curriculum decisions, etc. Nevertheless, all of those obstacles impact a student’s willingness and, yes, ability to learn.
Let me stop the chorus before it starts another verse of “You don’t believe every child can learn!” That’s not true. I DO believe every child can learn. But learning occurs in different ways at different paces for different children. There’s no cookie-cutter system that will guarantee all our children suddenly reach high levels of achievement.
If we would let good teachers teach, committing to support them and address those issues beyond their control, we would see achievement levels begin to rise. It would still require hard work, but we’d be headed in the right direction.
However, if we continue to hide behind standardized testing, as if it tells the entire story, then things won’t get any better for anyone.
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