White House Statement on Standardized Testing

 

Saturday, the White House posted this message from President Obama on the use of standardized testing in schools. References to the video were everywhere. Only today did I actually watch the video. All I can say is, it is a step, a very, very, very tiny step.

“….teachers who feel so much pressure to teach to a test that it takes the joy out of teaching and learning for them (teachers) and for the students. I want to fix that with three basic principals:

1. Only take tests that are worth taking
2. Tests should enhance teaching and learning
3. Tests should give us an all-around look at how our students and schools are doing”

The U.S. Department of Education released the Testing Action Plan.  Most educators will agree with the Testing Action Plan in theory.  More times than we can count, we’ve been encouraged by statements to be EXTREMELY disappointed and discouraged by the steps taken.

I want to highlight the Time-limited plan stating that no more than 2 percent of class time should be spent taking standardized tests.  STOP the truck, back up.  Are we alone in thinking that 2 percent is still a large chunk of instruction time? 

READ the entire document, many valid points are highlighted.  The administration is promising “clear guidance to all states and districts by Jan 2016.” 

The American Federation of Teachers began a petition to President Obama and the Department of Education imploring inclusion of parents, students and educators in the preparation of the new guidelines or standardized testing policy. 

Sign the AFT Petition here