Anonymous wrote:

The test taking is the smaller problem (since it takes relatively little time and you can opt out of it). The larger problem is with the repetitive drill-like teaching to the test, because for the schools a lot depends on the outcomes of those tests. I don't see how you eliminate this latter problem unless you change the way schools and teachers are evaluated. What would be meaningful measures of performance that do NOT involve student testing?

This.

x1000

I'd be really curious to dig into the data to understand exactly what they're describing as standardized/mandated testing. For instance, the chart shows that the average number of mandated tests in kindergarten is 6. Sure, my child probably did around that last year, if you count every single reading and math assessment done at the beginning, middle and end of the year to find out where the child was starting from (essential for differentiated instruction, which everyone seems to love), and to confirm how he was progressing. They were barely a blip for him, and I can't imagine how a teacher could feasibly determine everyone's skill level at the beginning of the year, and then provide parents with concrete feedback on how their kids were doing at the end of the year, without doing *something*.

^ Unless, of course, you are giving exams that are much more rigorous than the SOL's and you have those upset soccer moms that Duncan talked about. I imagine those kids aren't enjoying the tests so much.

Smart kids have no problems with the tests and enjoy them


I agree with this.

Our area has a lot of high performing kids and it seems focus on the SOLs is quite low.

Let's face it. The smart kids are not the reason these tests have been mandated by the government. And, in my experience, the really smart kids do not "enjoy" the tests. They consider them a total waste of time. The really smart kids like to spend their time learning and doing and creating. The tests are pretty boring for these kids. And, in New York, these were the kids whose parents opted them out in higher rates. These parents could care less about the tests because they mean nothing to their kids.

Anonymous wrote:The test taking is the smaller problem (since it takes relatively little time and you can opt out of it). The larger problem is with the repetitive drill-like teaching to the test, because for the schools a lot depends on the outcomes of those tests. I don't see how you eliminate this latter problem unless you change the way schools and teachers are evaluated. What would be meaningful measures of performance that do NOT involve student testing?

And this is why all of the opt-out stuff is silly.

The test taking is the smaller problem (since it takes relatively little time and you can opt out of it). The larger problem is with the repetitive drill-like teaching to the test, because for the schools a lot depends on the outcomes of those tests. I don't see how you eliminate this latter problem unless you change the way schools and teachers are evaluated. What would be meaningful measures of performance that do NOT involve student testing?

This.

Anonymous wrote:Smart kids have no problems with the tests and enjoy them

I agree with this.

Our area has a lot of high performing kids and it seems focus on the SOLs is quite low.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/study-says-standardized-testing-is-overwhelming-nations-public-schools/2015/10/24/8a22092c-79ae-11e5-a958-d889faf561dc_story.html

Anyone else worried about this? Please forgive my ignorance (new mom here), but do all schools have to follow the testing schedule - even private schools?

Parents can optout of standardized testing. Parents have the constitutional right to direct their child's education and you don't have to allow your child to go through the stress of excessive testing in public school.

Learn more! Join us! novaoptout.com rvaoptout.com fairtest.com unitedoptout.com

Where in the constitution?

Smart kids have no problems with the tests and enjoy them

The test taking is the smaller problem (since it takes relatively little time and you can opt out of it). The larger problem is with the repetitive drill-like teaching to the test, because for the schools a lot depends on the outcomes of those tests. I don't see how you eliminate this latter problem unless you change the way schools and teachers are evaluated. What would be meaningful measures of performance that do NOT involve student testing?

As the public schools get over run by immigrants and more poors, they struggle

Anonymous wrote:https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/study-says-standardized-testing-is-overwhelming-nations-public-schools/2015/10/24/8a22092c-79ae-11e5-a958-d889faf561dc_story.html

Anyone else worried about this? Please forgive my ignorance (new mom here), but do all schools have to follow the testing schedule - even private schools?

Parents can optout of standardized testing. Parents have the constitutional right to direct their child's education and you don't have to allow your child to go through the stress of excessive testing in public school.

Learn more! Join us! novaoptout.com rvaoptout.com fairtest.com unitedoptout.com

Testing

Private school students are not required to participate in state administered tests unless the student is a child with a disability who has been placed by a local school division or is placed for non-educational reasons by a Comprehensive Services Act team that includes the school division. Virginia Administrative Code, 8 VAC 20-81-150.A of the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia.

No, private schools do NOT have to test.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/study-says-standardized-testing-is-overwhelming-nations-public-schools/2015/10/24/8a22092c-79ae-11e5-a958-d889faf561dc_story.html

Anyone else worried about this? Please forgive my ignorance (new mom here), but do all schools have to follow the testing schedule - even private schools?