Judging schools by PARCC scores

[Anonymous]

I actually was able to look up my old elementary school's PARCC scores in another state that uses them. They were much better than most DC schools. Even the one my kids go to. So, that was sad. They weren't too far off though and correcting for demographic differences (socioeconomic) I guess they were fine.

I always got top scores though so I expect my kids to as well. If they don't I will blame the school and I will probably move them. Just being honest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let me make it easy for you. Everyone wishes they were in the Wilson school pyramid which has the highest PARCC scores.

+100. Just move to the Wilson pyramid. You'll never have to visit this forum again bc there won't be anything to worry about.

[Anonymous]

When do PARCC scores come out each year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When do PARCC scores come out each year?

Test is taken in spring, scores in Sept.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

This is a complete and utter bunch of baloney. Truly smart kids will get 5's on the PARCC. There are 2 kids at our JKLM that are really ahead of the pack. Both happen to be friends with our family and my kid. They get 5's every time.
My kid is smart. She also always gets 5's. She tests consistently year-after-year. Always within 3 percentage points of the year before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

This is a complete and utter bunch of baloney. Truly smart kids will get 5's on the PARCC. There are 2 kids at our JKLM that are really ahead of the pack. Both happen to be friends with our family and my kid. They get 5's every time.
My kid is smart. She also always gets 5's. She tests consistently year-after-year. Always within 3 percentage points of the year before.

Woopee-do for your kid! Glad you confirmed that you are at a JKLM where they are taught to the test. They know the verbiage used in the test and they work on problems just like on the test in the classroom. They also regularly use computers and are strong typists and they have been taking the test year after year. None of this applies to my kid or her class. If the third graders can't type competently and aren't familiar with the way the questions are structured and therefore what's expected of them or even how the questions work because they don't use technology in the classroom (drag and drop or dropdown menus for example) then they don't score to their full ability. No one in my kids school got a five and there were way more threes than there should have been. This was not reflective of the abilities or teaching at her school. Again, it's a flawed test. It's a known fact that if kids can't type at least 15wpm they perform before their abilities on the PARCC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm new to the DC system and would like DCUM's opinion on judging schools based on student PARCC scores. I went to a school with top standardized test scores (different city), and had a good experience, so my inclination is to put a lot of weight on PARCC scores when considering schools for my daughter. I realize there are other aspects of schooling that are important, but in terms of academics, are there reasons to believe PARCC scores don't accurately reflect achievement?

PARCC is the most objective measure available, so we prioritized it too.

Having said that, it's not the only factor. Using PARCC scores we got a list of 10 target schools, and then added other variables (commute, languages, vibe, neighborhood...) to select one.

[Anonymous]

PARCC is aligned to the Common Core standards, which every school is DC is supposed to align its curriculum to. Agree with the standards or not, explaining how one can derive an answer is a core part the standards. And yes it is required even when you just “know” the answer. It sounds like your child and perhaps their school has some work to do.

As for typing, every state is now using a computer-based test for proficiency. Even the old “IOWA” from my childhood assessments are now administered online. If you don’t care about your child learning to type enough to write a few sentences, that’s fine. But you have to accept that their scores may be a little lower than their peers. It isn’t like 3rd grade PARCC is going to determine whether and where they go to college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

This is a complete and utter bunch of baloney. Truly smart kids will get 5's on the PARCC. There are 2 kids at our JKLM that are really ahead of the pack. Both happen to be friends with our family and my kid. They get 5's every time.
My kid is smart. She also always gets 5's. She tests consistently year-after-year. Always within 3 percentage points of the year before.

Woopee-do for your kid! Glad you confirmed that you are at a JKLM where they are taught to the test. They know the verbiage used in the test and they work on problems just like on the test in the classroom. They also regularly use computers and are strong typists and they have been taking the test year after year. None of this applies to my kid or her class. If the third graders can't type competently and aren't familiar with the way the questions are structured and therefore what's expected of them or even how the questions work because they don't use technology in the classroom (drag and drop or dropdown menus for example) then they don't score to their full ability. No one in my kids school got a five and there were way more threes than there should have been. This was not reflective of the abilities or teaching at her school. Again, it's a flawed test. It's a known fact that if kids can't type at least 15wpm they perform before their abilities on the PARCC.

It's not a flawed test. Your daughter hasn't learned test-taking skills. This may be due to her intelligence, the school not teaching those skills, or a combination. explaining how you arrive at the answers is what the test measures!

[Anonymous]

PARCC is absolutely flawed. Any test that is completely out of step with other measures is flawed. There is plenty written about this online, and most states have dropped it because it doesn't adequately measure achievement.

https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2015/03/20/essay-flaws-parcc-tests

https://truthinamericaneducation.com/common-core-assessments/nj-teachers-union-president-parcc-flawed-assessment/

https://mobile.edweek.org/c.jsp?cid=25920011&item=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.edweek.org%2Fv1%2Fblogs%2F59%2F%3Fuuid%3D77399

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

This is a complete and utter bunch of baloney. Truly smart kids will get 5's on the PARCC. There are 2 kids at our JKLM that are really ahead of the pack. Both happen to be friends with our family and my kid. They get 5's every time.
My kid is smart. She also always gets 5's. She tests consistently year-after-year. Always within 3 percentage points of the year before.

Woopee-do for your kid! Glad you confirmed that you are at a JKLM where they are taught to the test. They know the verbiage used in the test and they work on problems just like on the test in the classroom. They also regularly use computers and are strong typists and they have been taking the test year after year. None of this applies to my kid or her class. If the third graders can't type competently and aren't familiar with the way the questions are structured and therefore what's expected of them or even how the questions work because they don't use technology in the classroom (drag and drop or dropdown menus for example) then they don't score to their full ability. No one in my kids school got a five and there were way more threes than there should have been. This was not reflective of the abilities or teaching at her school. Again, it's a flawed test. It's a known fact that if kids can't type at least 15wpm they perform before their abilities on the PARCC.

It's not a flawed test. Your daughter hasn't learned test-taking skills. This may be due to her intelligence, the school not teaching those skills, or a combination. explaining how you arrive at the answers is what the test measures!

Right, it measures your ability to take PARCC tests! Only 20 percent of kids in my children's school are "on grade level" per PARCC. They are smart, engaged, high achieving, independent, motivated kids. Many of whom are doing advanced maths and read several grade levels ahead. But they are below grade level because they can't type and are unfamiliar with the weird questions on PARCC and neither they not their teachers put a lot of importance in a disruptive, flawed test that does nothing but take them out of the classroom for ten straight days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

This is a complete and utter bunch of baloney. Truly smart kids will get 5's on the PARCC. There are 2 kids at our JKLM that are really ahead of the pack. Both happen to be friends with our family and my kid. They get 5's every time.
My kid is smart. She also always gets 5's. She tests consistently year-after-year. Always within 3 percentage points of the year before.

Woopee-do for your kid! Glad you confirmed that you are at a JKLM where they are taught to the test. They know the verbiage used in the test and they work on problems just like on the test in the classroom. They also regularly use computers and are strong typists and they have been taking the test year after year. None of this applies to my kid or her class. If the third graders can't type competently and aren't familiar with the way the questions are structured and therefore what's expected of them or even how the questions work because they don't use technology in the classroom (drag and drop or dropdown menus for example) then they don't score to their full ability. No one in my kids school got a five and there were way more threes than there should have been. This was not reflective of the abilities or teaching at her school. Again, it's a flawed test. It's a known fact that if kids can't type at least 15wpm they perform before their abilities on the PARCC.

It's not a flawed test. Your daughter hasn't learned test-taking skills. This may be due to her intelligence, the school not teaching those skills, or a combination. explaining how you arrive at the answers is what the test measures!

Right, it measures your ability to take PARCC tests! Only 20 percent of kids in my children's school are "on grade level" per PARCC. They are smart, engaged, high achieving, independent, motivated kids. Many of whom are doing advanced maths and read several grade levels ahead. But they are below grade level because they can't type and are unfamiliar with the weird questions on PARCC and neither they not their teachers put a lot of importance in a disruptive, flawed test that does nothing but take them out of the classroom for ten straight days.

I don’t believe PARCC is a good way to judge schools but which school takes kids out of the classroom for ten straight days?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

This is a complete and utter bunch of baloney. Truly smart kids will get 5's on the PARCC. There are 2 kids at our JKLM that are really ahead of the pack. Both happen to be friends with our family and my kid. They get 5's every time.
My kid is smart. She also always gets 5's. She tests consistently year-after-year. Always within 3 percentage points of the year before.

Woopee-do for your kid! Glad you confirmed that you are at a JKLM where they are taught to the test. They know the verbiage used in the test and they work on problems just like on the test in the classroom. They also regularly use computers and are strong typists and they have been taking the test year after year. None of this applies to my kid or her class. If the third graders can't type competently and aren't familiar with the way the questions are structured and therefore what's expected of them or even how the questions work because they don't use technology in the classroom (drag and drop or dropdown menus for example) then they don't score to their full ability. No one in my kids school got a five and there were way more threes than there should have been. This was not reflective of the abilities or teaching at her school. Again, it's a flawed test. It's a known fact that if kids can't type at least 15wpm they perform before their abilities on the PARCC.

It's not a flawed test. Your daughter hasn't learned test-taking skills. This may be due to her intelligence, the school not teaching those skills, or a combination. explaining how you arrive at the answers is what the test measures!

Right, it measures your ability to take PARCC tests! Only 20 percent of kids in my children's school are "on grade level" per PARCC. They are smart, engaged, high achieving, independent, motivated kids. Many of whom are doing advanced maths and read several grade levels ahead. But they are below grade level because they can't type and are unfamiliar with the weird questions on PARCC and neither they not their teachers put a lot of importance in a disruptive, flawed test that does nothing but take them out of the classroom for ten straight days.

I don’t believe PARCC is a good way to judge schools but which school takes kids out of the classroom for ten straight days?

The PARCC testing period is about 10 days long. But that's because different students take it on different days but no student is testing for all ten days (more like portions of 3-4 days). They also stagger it because there aren't enough computers for everyone to test at the same time.

But some teachers are engaged in testing for much of ten days -- so, particularly in elementary school -- not a lot of other work happens during the testing period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid nails the parcc test every time because he mastered the test taking. There are probably many kids who didn't do as well, but they are much more knowledgeable.

You're being modest! Mastering test taking is basically a proxy for high executive functioning, processing speed, and working memory. But your point is well taken. These skills can also be taught -- and a school that spends a ton of time teaching test-taking skills will see an improvement in PARCC scores. That may be to the detriment of other types of learning.

NP, if your kid is unfamiliar with the test language (eg third graders don't "write essays") or is not a competent typist they will not excel in the PARCC. My 99th percentile in every other test ever kid got fours even though she is three grades ahead in math and reading. If the questions are too simple kids may struggle to explain how they got the answer which is where you get points. If you just know something you have to really think about what's required. I looked at some of the sample tests and TBH I couldn't work out what some of the responses should be. Remember this is all taken on a computer with extensive typing. It's a flawed test IMO.

Your kid got the grade she should have.

She is at grade level for things like essay writing, meaning that's a skill she doesn't really have yet (nor should she). If she were ABOVE grade level she would have scored 5.

You're missing the point. Kid is two to three grade levels ahead or more by every other objective criteria according to teachers and other tests. Had strong essay writing skills, just doesn't call them "essays". In many cases was so far advanced of the (simple) questions that she didn't realize what was expected of her to explain her answers because she just "knew" like any adult would. I felt the same when I tried the test. E.g why is .25 equivalent to a quarter - when you know this instantly how do you write a paragraph explaining it?

This is a complete and utter bunch of baloney. Truly smart kids will get 5's on the PARCC. There are 2 kids at our JKLM that are really ahead of the pack. Both happen to be friends with our family and my kid. They get 5's every time.
My kid is smart. She also always gets 5's. She tests consistently year-after-year. Always within 3 percentage points of the year before.

Woopee-do for your kid! Glad you confirmed that you are at a JKLM where they are taught to the test. They know the verbiage used in the test and they work on problems just like on the test in the classroom. They also regularly use computers and are strong typists and they have been taking the test year after year. None of this applies to my kid or her class. If the third graders can't type competently and aren't familiar with the way the questions are structured and therefore what's expected of them or even how the questions work because they don't use technology in the classroom (drag and drop or dropdown menus for example) then they don't score to their full ability. No one in my kids school got a five and there were way more threes than there should have been. This was not reflective of the abilities or teaching at her school. Again, it's a flawed test. It's a known fact that if kids can't type at least 15wpm they perform before their abilities on the PARCC.

It's not a flawed test. Your daughter hasn't learned test-taking skills. This may be due to her intelligence, the school not teaching those skills, or a combination. explaining how you arrive at the answers is what the test measures!

Right, it measures your ability to take PARCC tests! Only 20 percent of kids in my children's school are "on grade level" per PARCC. They are smart, engaged, high achieving, independent, motivated kids. Many of whom are doing advanced maths and read several grade levels ahead. But they are below grade level because they can't type and are unfamiliar with the weird questions on PARCC and neither they not their teachers put a lot of importance in a disruptive, flawed test that does nothing but take them out of the classroom for ten straight days.

I don’t believe PARCC is a good way to judge schools but which school takes kids out of the classroom for ten straight days?

The PARCC testing period is about 10 days long. But that's because different students take it on different days but no student is testing for all ten days (more like portions of 3-4 days). They also stagger it because there aren't enough computers for everyone to test at the same time.

But some teachers are engaged in testing for much of ten days -- so, particularly in elementary school -- not a lot of other work happens during the testing period.

Not true. There are five tests for language and five for math. Each one hour to 1.5 hours. Kids do not take then consecutively. They are eight years old - one test a day is appropriate. If there is one test a day it takes ten days and disrupts school for the rest of the day too as kids don't go immediately back to lessons.