As we all approach the end of yet another
school year, educators are preparing or have
already given end of grade tests. I have
noticed that each US state has their own
name for these tests, as I am sure other
countries or provinces have names for their
tests. So often we moan and begrudge the
dreaded event, however I think that we are
passing our negative attitudes regarding
these tests to our students.

I certainly believe that the testing we now
are administering to our students is a form
of abuse. In NC, our students must sit
through several hours of testing, with short
three-minute stretch breaks every
thirty-five minutes. Students are not
allowed to chew gum, get water, or anything
that the testing “committee” feels could
taint the tests. Students are also only
allowed to have one piece of paper to use
for a scrap sheet on the math sections. Many
teachers complain that students are not
being tested on what is in the standard
course of study for that grade level. There
are numerous other reasons why I think it is
imperative that we as educators fight for
the rights of our students concerning
testing reform, however I feel that teachers
often dispute these issues in front of
students. Those actions not only are
unprofessional, but also are setting the
students up for failure.

Testing should be a time of celebration for
these students. Just as adults are ecstatic
when we complete a project and want to show
it off to our cohorts, students should be
given the chance to show off their knowledge
that they have mastered over the last year.
The fear in teachers lies in the fact that
we worry that our jobs are now being placed
on the line and are dependant on the test
scores that the students produce. We beg,
bribe, and plead with our students to do
well in hopes that they will score high or
move from one developmental level to the
next. We MUST promote a positive atmosphere
for our students regardless of our personal
feelings regarding these tests. If we want
our students to succeed, we must provide a
friendly, non-threatening environment
despite the brain-antagonistic tests we are
subjecting to our students.

I do challenge and encourage each educator
to research testing and to write his/her
respective legislators this summer regarding
the diminishing effects testing, as it is
now, purports on our students and on our
profession. We will not see testing reform
until we start speaking out and voicing our
opinions as a WHOLE. I just do not feel
doing this in front of our students DURING
testing time is beneficial or productive.

Regardless, good luck to each of you during
this highly stressful time!

eimmik
5/01/00

This month's letters: