Our 504 session on the new standardized test format that will be implemented in the year 2015-2016 was quite interesting to discuss. This new format was essentially created to make using technology easier while also supporting the uprising of technology. After reviewing the topic I found this new system to be horrible. The "settings" page which is the first page that the user is able to access was complex in itself. The formatting was ridiculous and if anything a distraction from what the user is supposed to be looking at. This format of standardized testing angers me because they are using technology as a "quick fix" to improving standardized testing. If anything we know the issue of standardized tests goes far beyond making the format look "pretty and polished".
Time and time again we see ourselfs (educators) having to live with the decisions set by non-educators who "think" they know that they are doing. I believe they justify their actions by saying how they were all once students in the school system--this is not a right way to look at the situation. There must be more educators going into policy and curriculum development, not politicians who think they are credited because they have a master's degree in Engineering, no offense Adam Zemke. But really, I do not think these new standards are being well thought out. While I was in high school we barely had 10 working computers in our library let alone internet connection. Our computers were outdated and would not have been able to support hundreds of children taking stansardized tests on them. This is my issue with these tests being mandated for all Michigan schools. Urban and rural areas might not have the proper technology to support these exams, how will that make testing fair? I believe this will make things much more stressful for admin, teachers, and students. Ultimately, if this is truly implemented our first year as teachers, I believe it will turn into a disaster.
"Time and time again we see ourselfs (educators) having to live with the decisions set by non-educators who "think" they know that they are doing."
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have said it any better. One thing to keep in mind is that the target has always been moving for teachers, whether it be the standards assessed or the assessment itself. Thus, the best approach (I think)--in addition to challenging these targets, is to simply teach what you know to be right. If, in fact, we are preparing our students for an unknown world, how can we use today's measures? Most respected practitioners agree that a guaranteed, challenging, viable curriculum with an emphasis on close reading skills will prepare any student for any test. Keep fighting the fight!