Just Ask Them

Given the enormous overload of standardized testing and the effort to use certain models of teaching to homogenize the efforts of teachers to instruct their students, some questions need to be posed to teachers and students regarding the effect(s) of these so called school reforms.

First, to teachers, "Would you rather see the time spent on standardized testing stay the way it is or would you prefer to use that time to teach?"

Second, also to teachers, "Do you feel standardized testing helps you teach and that it is a good measure of student learning in your class?"

Third, to teachers, "Do you feel that some of your instruction is used to prepare students for standardized testing and, if so, is that a good use of the time?"

Fourth, to students, "Would you rather take the standardized tests or would you prefer to use that time to be in the classroom?"

Fifth, to students, "Do you think standardized testing, and it results, help you to learn or play a significant role in motivating you going forward?"

Finally (though other questions need to be posed), to all groups in the public, "Do you feel as though there is too much time spent on standardized testing at the expense of classroom instruction?"

I'll talk about these tomorrow!

Dick