Standardized Testing

Someone once asked, "Do test scores provide a reasonable measuring stick for our students as indicators for future successes?"

Although I don't administer these tests (since I work at a college), believe that tests and the processes in place aren't working and because of these tests most schools/teachers are teaching the test and not providing students with instruction that could benefit them later in life. Do we really want to produce a generation of test takers or problem solvers/innovators? Check out these sites...

http://fairtest.org/
http://susanohanian.org
http://alfiekohn.org
http://www.mothersagainstwasl.org/

Honestly there are some groups out there that are encouraging parents to opt-out on standardized testing. Sure its heresy... but you have to listen to the other side, to get the full picture.

http://educationrevolution.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/opting-out-of-nclb-two-reports-from-a-growing-movement/
http://educationintexas.blogspot.com/2005/12/colorado-school-district-opts-out-of.html
http://www.resultsforamerica.org/calendar/files/nclb_release.pdf
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13879371_ITM

Short answer..."No."

I'd like to hear your thoughts... So leave a comment.

If you'd like to be more engaged on these topics, feel free to join the "K20EDU-Arizona" Group on Facebook or feel free to follow me on twitter seanmendoza.

Knowledge in the classroom

Great video that talks about the direction we, as educators need to move our students and institutions... imagination and inspiration. When you really think of it... imagination and inspiration (our mental processes) have nothing to do with technology and everything to do with who we are. So... maybe... knowledge in the classroom has nothing to do with technology... and everything to do with who we are and who/what we inspire our students into becoming. Strange to think you're reading this kind of writing from an IT guy... all the answers are not all in technology... go figure.