Data drives almost every decision in today's world. Why should education be any different?
I guess I should start off with I don't have a problem with assessments and data in general. We all learn from assessments. (For my non-educator guests, "assessments" just means quizzes and tests.) That's their primary purpose - to see what knowledge you currently have and also to see areas for improvement. Data even helps teachers know where they made a misstep so they can reteach and reassess their students.
What I do despise is a society so focused on specific data points that children and young adults begin to form their identity and future around these scores. I continually have to reinforce to my students that they are NOT defined by a single test score. So, instead of focusing on true learning and learning from mistakes, we have increased the anxiety of our students to constantly perform at high levels...or else. Or else what? They're failures? A student who goes from constantly performing at a 20%-40% accuracy rate improves to 65% in a year's time isn't successful? I call that astounding! And I've personally gotten to witness that look on their faces when they've improved that much. Or an Advanced Placement student who took the College Board AP test and got a 3 won't go on to be accomplished? Not at all. They will still get into college (if they wish), earn a degree, and have a successful life.
Additionally we all know, whether you're in education or not, that people learn at different rates. But without fail every spring we test our students. And if you're an English Learner? Well then double the testing for you! Are you taking an AP Test? Let's just add that on as well. Why not?! They're a smart kid and can handle it.
So what do we do as educators to help students through this process? At times we sacrifice good teaching and learning for teaching to the test. Preparing our students as best we can so that they walk into that assessment ready to show it who's boss. They can walk into that testing room with their head held high knowing that they will easily pass the exam.
I don't feel great when I have those "teach to the test" moments but I've learned how to incorporate them into a classroom centered around improving own's knowledge and developing active, global citizens. As much as it pains me to say, not everyone wants to be a history teacher. Ha! It still pains me when I have to add on "Now on the X-Y-Z test you need to know..." but at least I know they will be prepared.
So as we all prepare for the remainder of the school year and testing season, I wish you all well! We only survive this as a campus team...and the goodies from Teacher Appreciation Week. Am I the only one who thinks that's poor timing? As if they are saying, "We know life sucks right now but here's some free stuff. Please come back tomorrow!"
Please don't forget to leave questions for me to answer! You can post them in the comments.
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