SOME TEACHERS, STUDENTS, PARENTS SAY NO TO TESTS!
A backlash against standard testing can be noticed throughout the nation as a growing number of parents, teachers, students, and organizations question its merits.
Regarded by many state school boards as the magic bullet to cure what troubles education (1), standardized tests are not considered a remedy by everyone (2). Concerns about the tests are openly expressed at student-organized protest rallies and by teacher organizations as large numbers of students fail their state tests. Many of those students will not receive their diplomas or be promoted as a result of their test scores.
According to Johnson, a high-school senior, “Although I passed the test, I believe it is unfair and valuable classroom time is taken away. There is a disparity between what is taught at my high school, compared with a nearby vocational high school where many students may not select to take advanced math or science classes that would help them score higher on the exams.”
The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) reported in June that 63 percent of American voters do not agree that student progress for one school year can be accurately summarized by a single test.
The revolt against tests has much support. The majority of Americans think that testing is not the right solution for what troubles schools, according to the results of two surveys recently released by education associations.
The majority of parents believe that mandated state testing is not a true and valid measurement of their children’s abilities. Parents also said that the test results are inconsistent with some areas of their children’s report cards; they believe some academic skills are being overlooked as a result of preparing for the tests, and that schools are neglecting some enrichment areas such as the arts, team learning, and science projects because those areas are not part of the testing.
(DIANE WEAVER DUNNE.
Pesquisas de opinião pública fornecem informação de apoio ao texto, atribuindo maior credibilidade e validade aos dados oferecidos.
Aponte os resultados das pesquisas realizadas pelas seguintes instituições:
a) AASA;
b) Associações educacionais.