Teaching to the Test

[Dave Stewart]

Teaching to the test has the same effect that letting kids bring calculators to school and use the internet to pledgerize instead of do their research in the library...gets them grades but doesn't teach them anything about how to reason and think for themselves. Make them learn the basics and learn how to reason for themselves and they will excell later when they learn how to use the "tools" to prove their theories instead of using the "tools" to think for them.

[Col Forbin]

I can say that there has been some positive changes lately. 11th grade students are now required to take the ACT and that score is configured into school accountability. At least it could benefit them later if they choose to pursue college, and it requires some higher level thought process, than your typical tests. The writing portfolios are to encourage applied analysis of concepts, however, the scoring of those are strictly subjective - so teachers do teach strategies that will encourage higher scores, rather than higher levels of thinking.

The Ky house voted yesterday to do away with the current CATS testing so it could be re-designed to assess a wholistic curriculum, rather than be the driving force behind the curriculum - we'll have to wait and see how that goes. The good news behind this, is that state level legislation is starting to realize the need for school accountability reform, so we are at least being listened to.

Hopefully these reforms will not really bring about change, rather get back to the root of what education is all about - teaching kids - not tests.

I am currently working in special education for student with moderate to severe disabilities. I love this for two reasons. One, is the kids - they make my day, and I enjoy every second of it. Two is stricly individualized instruction. I create a sepatrate curriculum for each and every student based on their specific needs. I still teach to the test, however, I design the test and the curriculum.

[GeoFisher]

You know.........I've got to back up a little about my GRIPING with public education...........No ONE kill me please........

Col works in a state where they passed some serious education reform measures 10 years ago........KY with KERA, etc,, etc, etc has made some serious strides in closing the gap in education.........

ON the other hand, I live in Indiana, where education still is the BOTTOM of the HEAP. Col, maybe you need to visit Indy with some of the ideas that have WORKED in KY.

It won't help my kids, but maybe somewhere else down the line, it can help.

We need to educate MUCH more effectively.

Thanks,

Geo