School Refom - March Madness

Nearly everyone is familiar with the term 'March Madness' as it relates to the basketball frenzy that is high school and college basketball. Often, March also happens to be the month when state testing occurs in schools throughout the country.

Testing is testing whether a unit test in a single course or the widespread statewide testing in schools. The questions on tests might very have a high degree of validity and test what they are suppose to test. But tests certainly have limits relative to being indicators of student and teacher success.

Over a period of time, the results of such tests may trend higher or lower for a particular locale or state. No doubt, if the trend is higher, people are pleased with the results. Who wouldn't want better tests results?

But let's be clear, the underlying reason for giving the tests is to see if schools and teachers measure up. And if they do measure up, in today's 'reform' environment, then a good number of people want to tie improved test scores to teacher pay. There are plenty of other perks that schools could realize if scores are on the rise. Conversely, if scores don't improve then, the thinking goes, teachers ought to be reprimanded/fired, schools ought to get less funding, or schools might need to be forced to close.

The problem with all of the above is quite simple. It is assumed that when scores go up, stay steady, or go down it's due largely, or solely, to what occurs in the classroom. While the classroom experience is a critical element in the education process it doesn't come close to explaining student learning and intelligence. Studies have indicated many other vital factors that have a great bearing upon learning.

While testing has some merits it ought not to be the reason for rewarding schools and teachers nor should it be the most important indicator of a lack of growth in teaching and learning. It certainly ought not to be a reason for punishing schools, teachers and students. Schools that are struggling don't need to face greater obstacles by being punished.

The madness in March that is state testing is a far cry from school reform, reform that leads to improved teaching and learning.

Look at it this way...if you make one choice, as your ultimate winner, when selecting your team in basketball's March Madness and that team fails then you are a loser. Likewise, if you hang your hat on the fact that state testing, alone, will be the factor that determines success or failure for a student and teacher then I think you will be sorely disappointed.

Schools can be improved by far better means than test results.

Thanks,
Dick