John Oliver gives us a humorous yet uncomfortable look into the structure behind the standardize testing system highlighting Pearson, one of the largest education testing providers in the world. Weeks later Pearson responds to criticism about its standardized tests
To Test or Not To Test– is that the question? My pastor would often say that “we need to keep the main thing, the main thing.” These words of wisdom refocus the frustration and outrage that some parents and educators share regarding the influx of state tests being used to rank our schools and our children’s scholastic abilities. The reality is that, as it stands, the testing system exists. Classroom educators are faced with the task of ensuring that specific academic materials reach our students, in a limited timeframe, in order for both the student and the instructor to be labeled as successful. Additionally, although this structured approach leaves little to no room for students of varied learning patterns to receive classroom lessons in the manner in which they learn best, these students are still judged based on their performance on the several state tests they take every school year.
In addition to advocating for a more flexible system, which would reduce student anxiety and minimize cheating, one measure that we as educators can take is approach our facilitation with creativity and innovation. We should zero in on OUR talents and use them to create vivid, engaging lessons that will help our students to retain information like never before. Applauding or refusing to address students who walk out of standardized tests ultimately defuses classroom management and may encourage rebellion.
Let’s challenge the test! Let’s invest in arts integration, technology, social media, and sensory learning when designing our lesson plans. Let’s include parents in our lessons with the intention of creating a counterpoint to the structure with which we prepare students for state testing. NO more coaxing excitement about the tests, as it can dwindle; instead, let’s get excited about our lesson topics. I believe that when students and parents are creatively engaged, the fun of learning will trump the stress of testing and ultimately improve academic retention. Do we need more variety in ranking students’ scholastic abilities? YES!!! But what should we do in the meantime?
The College Simulation 