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.
