"Obsession" "Knockoffs" "Malpractice"
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Goals to improve test scores? Test prep sessions?
Test prep materials? Compensation for ANY school employees based on test scores? Data retreats focused on NCLB test results?
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If Our Obsession with NCLB Works:
- All kids become proficient selecting the most correct of 4 options
by filling in the bubble. A deductive reasoning task based on test
makers' judgement of the least wrong/most right bubble option.
- All kids are proficient at regurgitation of information. NCLB tests
require lower level Bloom's taxonomy information recall.
- Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents will all get merit
increases for raising test scores. Or, at least they won't be fired
for NOT raising test scores.
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"But, our education system is failing and not preparing kids for their future!"
NCLB-TYPE THINKING IS NOT THE ANSWER!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/when-an-adult-took-standardized-tests-forced-on-kids/2011/12/05/gIQApTDuUO_blog.html
Uh-oh. So, we're:
- NOT preparing kids for their future.
- NOT doing what is best for our country.
- NOT doing right by kids.
We know about quality assessment, assessment for learning, assessment AS learning. But it is not fast, cheap, easy, quick, and internet-based. It is kid-affirming, instructionally prescriptive.
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NCLB "Thinking" - Knock-offs
standardized tests
value-added testing (VAT)
NCLB waivers (still test-obsessed)
Race to the Top (RTTT)
NAEP
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All experts - futurists, visionaries, business executives, educators, parents, psychologists - agree on what kids will need in the future.
To be successful, in every and all sense of the word "successful", students need to:
- innovate
- create
- collaborate
- critical thinking
- communicate
- adapt
- become entrepreneurs
NO NCLB TESTS ADDRESS THESE AREAS!
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There is an obvious mismatch between the educational accountability system and preparing kids for their future. Why?
NCLB tests are fast and cheap, computer-scored, easily comparable.
Politics, lack of courage, lack of commitment to the reasons educators got into this business.
Culpability. We are culpable. We are abdicating our responsibility to give kids our best.
Yes, culpability. If not:
1. Stop the test increase goals! At ALL levels - classroom, grade,
grade clusters, building, district, state.
2. SEA's: Get those test score comparisons off your website!
In, Wisconsin, that is the DPI. You know better!
3. Serve kids, educate parents and the public. Choose kids' futures
over the path of least resistance. Give them the education they
need, deserve.
4. Speak out. Engage in the dialogue of kids' futures.
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When the mismatch, between the ecucational accountability system and what this next generation needs, plays out, we will be left holding the bag. Culpable. Malpractice. Educators, the public education system, will be blamed for culpability or, at the very least, acquiescing.
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"Sacred cow" moment
Let's go there.ACT/SAT?
Really?
Best practice - no way. Teachers use better assessment in their
classrooms EVERY DAY!
The best predictor of college/university success - try how the
student did in High School.
(We now return you to your regularly-scheduled reading.)
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Contrary to commonly-held belief, the video below is a reaction to the idea of a 6th consecutive year of NCLB standardized tests, followed by at least 1 more in high school, ALL before taking the SAT/ACT. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_KIzbktgJk
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