Seattle Press on Line - Rethinking Standardized Testing

Teacher Ted

Rethinking Standardized Testing

By Ted Lockery

May 17, 2001 -- In junior high school there was an incessant rumor that an all-school pencil drop would occur at 1:30 p.m., toward the end of fifth period. Time after time I would loosen the grip on my number two pencil just as the second hand rounded the twelve. But instead of challenging authority with a shower of Ticonderoga hemlock and Sandford graphite, our efforts only produced a ripple of snickers meant to humiliate the lone conspirator who actually dropped his or her pencil.

Last week, students in two California high schools and one New York middle school, who were about to take their respective state-administered standardized tests, took the pencil drop to a new level. Instead of symbolically dropping their number two pencils they organized test boycotts and stayed home from school.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle more than thirty-five percent of ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students at Sir Francis Drake High School were excused by their parents from having to take the annual Stanford-9 achievement test. Twenty-two percent of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors at Tamalpais high school boycotted the California test while sixty-seven percent of eighth-graders in Scarsdale, New York got waivers from their parents, allowing them to skip their state science exam.

So, why the escalation?

California and a growing number of states use these test scores as "carrot-and-stick incentives" for such things as school funding, student scholarships and teacher bonuses. Schools that don't perform well on these tests are placed on probation while school districts that fail to reach state standards are faced with potential state takeovers of their school boards. Students that don't pass these tests in their high school years don't receive their certificate of mastery or diploma.

The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is currently administered to fourth, seventh, and tenth graders to evaluate whether individual students are "on track" with state education standards, and to critique the overall performance of schools. At the moment there is little to prevent the state from using these scores to rate the performances of individual principals and teachers.

It is the official mandate of the state legislature that beginning with students of the class of 2008 (today's fifth-graders) all students must meet the state standards tested by the WASL or fail to receive their certificate of mastery (to be phased in) or their high school diploma.

Critics of the WASL and other high-stakes exams argue that these tests unnecessarily compound the amount of stress students and teachers endure while driving down the content being taught in the form of test preparation exercises.

Caleb Rossiter, a statistician at American University in Washington, DC who kept his first-grader home during testing week said, "They don't see what the effort to bring up the scores is doing to the curriculum. They don't see the dispiriting effect of scrapping art, music and physical education because they are not on the tests. They don't see the minds that go uninspired because teachers must forsake their craft to focus like drones on getting the scores up."

Jodi Graniger, who teaches math at Seattle's Summit Alternative School, points out that the testing situation is getting even worse with President Bush's proposal that public school students at virtually all levels be given yet another test, this one mandated by Congress. She points out, "The further away from the classroom a person gets, the more apt they are to favor testing. You can't get any further away from the classroom than the White House."

If you have concerns about the WASL and the current national and local trends in high-stakes school reform, be sure to attend the free public forum entitled, "Rethinking School Reform," next Saturday, June 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at UW's Kane Hall. Co-sponsored by the Seattle Education Association, the Edmonds Education Association, and Puget Sound Rethinking Schools, the event features presentations by nationally acclaimed critics of high-stakes testing Susan Ohanian and Don Orlich. It also will include community action planning sessions around such issues as parents' place in educational reform, the student agenda for meaningful reform, and the politics of public education.

Pencil drop at 12:30!

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!


Katherine	Dec 02, 2002	Iowa	Student
As a student, I am given a different perspective on this subject. I do not feel Standardized testing is completely unfounded. There is a need for testing, but the emphasis we are placing on it will not have the desired results. The government has made testing more important with the belief it will lead to improved schools, but it can only lead to angry and frustrated teachers, parents, and students. Standardized testing cannot be the basis on which we rate schools and determine the future of a student.


Angie	Mar 24, 2004	Ohio	student
I feel standardized testing is not the problem, I feel that the tremendous pressure that is placed upon students as well as teachers has hurt the essential education. As tests increase in their quantities, required curriculum drops and morphs in to a more test related basis. I cannot count how many times in school we have studied a subject due to the importance of it on the test. With all this in mind and the fact that the questions on the test are super ficial and do not test the actual knowledge of a student,standardized testing could be removed at no cost to education or school systems but actually result as a benefit to students and the general public.


dan	Apr 12, 2004	ohio	student
STANDARDIZED TESTS ARE POINTLESS AND IF THEY CONTINUE WE WILL GET MORE STANDARDIZED STUDENTS NOT INDIVIDUALS. WE NEED TO STOP TEACHING TO THE TESTS AND JUST START TEACHING THE WAY STUDENTS LEARN BEST.


becky	Apr 12, 2004	wa
Standardized test don't really test the knowledge of the student but the effectiveness of their education. So if students aren't doing well on the tests who is really failing? Don't teach to the test, teach how to use resources. The kids already know what to think show them how to use it.


Sharon	May 04, 2004	New York	Student
I think the standardized tests should be gotten rid of, because it is not fair to all students.


Jack Hoff	May 11, 2004
I thinc Stardized test r neckissary I thougth thet mi sepelling wsa dab until i tok thes test I spel butter


Tana	May 23, 2004	Florida	Student
Standardized testing is pointless. I have always scored well on all of the tests that I have taken, but they are not an adequate indicator of how much a student is learning in school. Also, they are unfair. For example, in my school district we do not have to take certain classes every year. There is only the amount of credits that we need to graduate. My freshman year of high school I took Biology and Alegebra I, a friend of mine took Geometry and Biology, one took Geometry and Earth/Space, and another took Alegbra II and Biology; we were all freshmen. They are now putting science on our FCAT's. On these tests there is Earth/Space, Biology and Chemistry. The students who began in Earth/Space have not taken Chemistry yet and those who began in Biology never took Earth/Space. Students do not know everything that is being presented on the tests simply because they have never taken the classes. Too many teachers focus on these tests for the freshmen and sophmores so that they will pass them. This pulls away from other more interesting and important things that the students could be doing in class instead of taking multiple practice FCAT tests. Educators need to come up with a more adequate way to examen the progress of their students that does not involve a 3 hour multiple choice and 45 minute essay test.


ibrahim al shara	Jul 01, 2004	jordan


Glenda	Jul 02, 2004	Tallahassee, FL	College Student
I live in Florida, where it is mandatory that a child pass the FCAT to be promoted. I do agree that testing is neccessary to ensure that our children are performing on a national level. However, I strongly oppose a child being retained because they are unable to pass a test that puts them under tremendous pressure. If a student is doing okay over all I think it should be the school's decision to promote or retain. I think there are a lot more factors to be considered than the FCAT alone. I am not totally opposed to standardized testing but I think "teaching to the test" should stop. My 6-year old has HOMEWORK, that is ridiculous.


mike	Jul 11, 2004	west caldwell, nj	science fiction author
You're a bunch of dips, the lot of you commentators. There's hardly a thing to learn in school worth knowing aside from that which is often seen as undesirable. The United States consistently cranks out huge batches of dolts, and it will continue to do so with or without a change in standardized testing. If we want to change that fact, then we'll have to go through a huge deal of attitude adjustment that will certainly result in all sorts of social chaos and panic. Our schools are a mockery of the educational systems founded on the ancient Greek methods of learning; we design our systems to filter out the disobedient and untrusting, as opposed to teaching those with the potential to learn. I got a 1550 on my SATs, I took the test drunk and stoned, and i don't think i've payed any attention in class since the 7th grade since there's nothing to do in class except watch the teachers try to force the dumb kids up to par so that the parents can all be content and proud. I think that the test, at best, is a fun way to spend a few hours, checking up one's skills on sliding past those obvious old standardized tricks. If only it didn't cost 80 stinkin' bucks!


beth	Jul 14, 2004	austin, TX	education grad student
After spending 8 years teaching in TX public schools, I have yet to see any benefit to forcing young children to take standardized tests. Tests limit the depth and breadth of the content that students are exposed to, ask students to spend at least half of their time focusing on wrong answers and in general suck all the joy out of teaching and learning.


Melissa	Aug 24, 2004	Oklahoma city	US Navy/ student (education ma
For someone who stuggles w/ tests. I find that standarded test are not a full way of testing student as well as the teacher. I understand the reason for testing but to rate the student and the school just by one test is wrong. There is many factors why a certain teacher or a certain student does badly.


Edit	Sep 01, 2004	Glendale, CA	full time student Majoring in
I've always considered standarized testing to be ridiculous and should be banned for good. I think the only purpose of these tests is for teachers and staff to benefit out of our struggles. I remember taking those tests in elementary school and high school, and teachers would spend more time preparing for these standardized tests than teaching us the subject. It seems as though it's more of a competition between schools than a study to help the state to better educate us.


Kallen Kramer	Sep 13, 2004	Iowa	7th grade
I think that standardized testing is unneeded. It is taking your school's knowledge for advantage. What if I failed those tests? Would I get in trouble for not funding the teachers??????? Thats retarded!


james small	Sep 22, 2004	sarasota fl.	student
i hate these kinds of tests there a waste of time an some students are not ready to take it on the days they give it


Jenny DUHHH	Sep 23, 2004	srq	gossssh
this rap sucks. you should erase it foev yo!! i mean, its a waste of tiime and i aint likein it. peace dawwg.


A Young	Oct 07, 2004	Yuma, AZ	English Teacher
"Teaching to the tests" only undermines my capability and my students level of retention. I won't teach to the test, but rather teach the skills needed to think and write critically, use grammar and language correctly, and spell at grade level, where they can use these skills in school and in their lives. It doesn't help the student and only frustrates the teachers.


D Young	Oct 08, 2004	Archbold, OH	Investments
Talking recently with my daughter(who is a teacher) about standarized testing, no child left behind and the stresses of being a teacher today, I made the comment that I feel lucky to have gone to schoolwhen I did in the 50's & 60's. Education seemed pretty basic then. Classes were small, we received individual attention. Today it seems educating our children is driven by standarized testing rather than the needs of our children. There are thousands of children left behind everyday in our schools. Standarized testing is not saving them. Yes, I think we need testing as a measurement of what our students are learning, but not as the main source for teaching our children. I'm concerned about my 11 yr old grandson and his success in school. He was left behind in his previous school because he was above average, he was left behind because he was bullied, he was left behind because his teachers didn't care about him. Fortunately, he's in a charter school now that does not tolerate bullying, the teachers are creative, he shows interest in his classes and pride in doing well. Perhaps the standarized testing started as well-meaning, but I think it has gotten out of hand and needs to be revisited for it's value in our schools and it's use in evaluating our students.


tiffany myers	Oct 14, 2004	modesto
I believe standarized testing is an excellent way to find out how the childs doing, that way you know their weak points, But the teachers should help the child study for the tests


Kolby	Oct 19, 2004	Milligan College, TN	Student
Standardized testing is not a true representation of what a student truly knows. Many students suffer from performance pressure and won't do well on any test on any given day despite the fact that they might have studied really hard. Standardized tests seem to be made for the average student. Not all students are average. Each individual has a different story and a different background or even culture. We should not let a test decide if we are good enough!


redgurl	Oct 25, 2004	Louisiana	11 th grade
I think that we should'nt have to take standardized test because they are not needed. I am saying this because we should'nt have to take a state test just to see how much we know. We already take test in school that are mandatory that we pass. So why should we take these test for the same reason?


Shalise	Oct 27, 2004	Lubbock, TX	College Student
I am acutually doing an extensive research paper on this issue, and would like any information you would like to offer. My claim is "Does standardized testing truely show a students educational abilitys" If you have information or comments I would really appreciate it!


Laura Doll	Oct 28, 2004	Auburn, Washington, King County	Supervisor
I have been agains the WASL test from the very beginning. And now I have a son in the 10th grade, his is the class that MUST pass the WASL or not graduate. How many drop outs do you think this will cause? This test is a compatition for schools and teachers to say whom is better and shoudl have more money. This is not a thing to do about the kids and their learning. The teachers now teach nothing but "WASL" for thier personal evaluations. My son was put into a special class set up to focus on WASL, last year. This was not his choice he was chosen and put in this class in place of one of his elective courses. For what? For the School to look good on the up coming testing scores.


Matt	Oct 30, 2004	Magnolia, Arkansas	education major (student)
i am an education major currently writing a research paper on standardized testing and if it effectivly shows how students learn, what they have learned, and how it affects the ways their teacher teaches and it has opened up my eyes to the corruption these test cause in teachers to not teach what their studens should know but what they must know for these tests i feel that we as a country should re-think the standard test.


nora	Oct 30, 2004	maryland	teacher
I have been teaching for 8 years. I do not think that standardized tests should be used for the purposes they are used for. They restrict teacher and student from doing their best....not encourage it!


J	Nov 02, 2004	PA	Student
I agree that these standardized tests are really not fair and they should not be held with such high importance. I am writing a research paper about this topic, and I must compare the good and bad of these tests, but I am having a hard time finding anything good. Any suggestions?????


Jarred	Nov 08, 2004	Columbus, OH	student
I am a student at The Ohio State University and I believe these tests are not fair at all. Some people do not respond well to the pressure of big tests. To think, "if I dont pass this I wont graduate" is a lot of pressure to put on a high school kid.


Jeana Manda	Nov 08, 2004	Ogden, UT	Burger flipper
I didnt take these here tests seriously and look what i have become.


stephanie oguchi	Nov 14, 2004	state college, pa	about to be a penn state gradu
I think standardized should be eliminated because of making these standardized tests so mandatory, students are being left behind.If a student doesnt perform well on the standardized test, they are let known that they can't go to a prestigious college and that they have to settle for the non competitive college.That is a total blow to a students self esteem and confidence to be told that because of your standardized test score, you cant be challenged and have to settle for less as far as schools. Its ridiculous.You cant base all of your schooling and knowledge on one test


Josh	Nov 15, 2004	Holland, MI	High School Junior
Standardizing education with tests and the like is backwards and can not possibly be beneficial to society, producing mindless, same-thinking drones. I mean, who invented the light bulb, the airplane, the arch? Who discovered trigonometry, or the theory of relativity? Bright individuals, not a mass of average, standardized people.


Erin	Nov 16, 2004	WA	10th Grade Student
For me, standardized testing is impractical. The smartest kids can do poorly on these tests simply because they are taking advanced placement classes and havent been refreshed on what they should know for the tests. Our curriculum suffers because teachers can't teach us things that we need to know after high school. Standardized testing can't really assess learning, intelligence, and the like because students aren't able to express their true selves. Intellegence should be measured through writing essays, doing projects, and even one on one interviews with students. For me, math isn't my favorite subject.. although i am in AP Math 3.. but the point i'm trying to make is that in 7th grade (despite the fact that i was "good at math") i still did really poorly on that section of the WASL. Ironically, students from other countries can do better on AMerican Standardized testing than American students because their curriculum isn't focused around preparation for these tests. I also find it very annoying that we have to get a certain score on the SAT to make it into a good college. Just because i dont' get an amazing score doesn't mean that i should be able to get into the UW for medical school... I believe that we should rethink it all!!


bhs180	Nov 17, 2004	sumter S.C	college student
I am doing a reasearch on Standarized testing and it would be helpful if I can gets some views from the supporters of the standardized testing,exit exam,SAT.e-mail k2k4Jesus@yahoo.com thank you


Jason	Nov 20, 2004	bend, OR, US	Firefighting
Trading Text Book For Testing Guides How can a test determine how much you have learned over four years of education? In 36 states, groups have protested against a standardized test that will determine if a student will graduate from High School. This test has created a whole lot of stress, not only for students, but also teachers, and parents. This test has pushed some teachers to go to any means of getting the outcome they are looking for. School funding and teacher raises are at the mercy to how well students can do on the test. Class curriculums have changed from being about the textbook to the testing guide. Financially schools cannot afford to have summer school because of all of the expenses it creates. Students are learning how to pass the test rather than learning valuable information they can use in the future. A studentís self-esteem can also be demolished with being held back by not passing one test. I think that for these reasons standardized tests should be band from the educational system; they have damaging effects on the students, the teachers, and the school itself. Financially schools cannot afford to be open during the summer. Schools already complain about not having enough funds, how are they going to be able to stay running if they spend even more money during the summer? Teachers would have to get paid for overtime. They already work on their time off by preparing for up coming lessons, correcting homework, and tests. Not only would there be a pay increase to teachers but to other utilities as well. The summer utility bills that would usually be low because school is not in session would stay as high as during the normal school year. Janitors would also be affected. When school is in session the janitors would have to clean up the school and make sure that everything is in still working condition. Other faculty members would have to stay over the summer as well. Secretaries, school nurses, and principles for example, would also have to be there to make sure everything runs smoothly as well. The school buses would still have to run before and after school while it is in session so that teenagers can to attend on a regular basis. All of these expenses would keep adding up and the schools would fall farther and farther into debt. The only way to afford expenses like these would be to raise taxes in the town, or ask for donations; which would probably be a challenge because of the large groups of people who do not approve of the test in the first place. Not to mention the fact that if students do not do well on the tests, the school funding can be cut quite a bit which will make it even harder to stay within the budget. Just imagine the effects this standardized test can have on the students as well. Near the end of every school year students become very excited for summer. Summer is the time to relax and maybe work to earn some extra money for the upcoming year. The self-image of a student who must go to summer school instead of being able to take a break and spend time with the people in their lives can create a low self image; especially for those ìAî,îBî students who did very well in school, but canít handle the pressure from a test that has such a huge impact on their future. Not only would this test crush a student emotionally, but also the chance to get into a college fall term. Most universities like to know that you graduated soon after finishing high school in the spring. For those students planning to go to a university might have some problems getting accepted if they are held back for the summer. Just image the students with sports scholarships who need to start college in the fall. They will probably lose their scholarship, and for some students that is the only way they can afford to enter into higher education. There are a lot of factors that go into how smart a person is, and I highly doubt they can fit all of that information into one exam. I also feel that a studentís intelligence should not be measured by taking one test. With a students self image and future at stake, should one test really be the determining factor for a studentís success? With the pressure to have a good outcome on the standardized test teachers are one the line just as much as the students are. According to Jodie Morse in her article, ìIs that Your Final Answer?î She states, ì High scores translate into bonuses and raises for teachers, a low performance can put their job-and their pride-on the line.î This pressure on teachers causes them to have a difficult time teaching a well-rounded course. Morse also states in the same article that teachers are playing by their own rules at Marylandís Potomac Elementary School. Students where given ìWere No. 1î buttons-and the school won a slice of a $2.75 millions dollars after ranking the best in their county on last yearís exam. The same article then stated, ìThe schoolís principal Karen Karch resigned last month amid allegations that she coached students on examinations and gave them extra time.î So now, not only are we just teaching good ways to examine a test, but also that cheating is the way to move ahead in life. According to Laurie Perez an article she wrote called, ìStandardized Tests: Do They Ultimately Help or Hurt Students?î she says ì 3 Bís in a rowÖ no, no, no. If you see you have answered ëbí three times in a row, you know (ëno, no, noí) most likely one of those answers are wrong, because the maker of a [standardized] test would not be likely to construct three questions in a row with the same answer-indicator.î Then later said ìStudents today are being taught simple test skills and cheers that will assist them in scoring well on standardized tests rather than being taught useful learning strategies or valuable knowledge.î Schools have the power and itís their job to prepare students for life. With the standardized test students are being cheated out of valuable education while being taught the ways to pass a test. Teachers are just as stressed out as the students are to get good test scores. As I mentioned above teachers jobs and raises are being determined by how well there students do. I donít think that it is very fare for teaches future to be totally determined by there students scores. In Jodie Morse article she brings up the point ìAn excellent math teacher in a low-scoring inner-city school must prove her knowledge, while an incompetent teacher at a suburban school with higher-scoring students will be spared that indignity.î A students test score doesnít justify how good a teacher is. There are many factors that could be taken into account: a student my not be a very good test taker, some students just donít care about school, and the students health or problems in his or her life at the time the test is being taken that could disrupt their focus. Punishing teachers and students is just the wrong way to go about correcting the education system. Today in our society we have a tendency to give simple solutions to a complex situation instead of trying to find a way to really improve the problems in our lives. I feel that that is exactly what is happening with standardized testing. We are saying that we can just give a student one test to determine if they are ready to go out into the real world, but who really knows what a person needs to succeed in todayís world. I feel that these tests are doing more harm than good. All they are doing is adding pressure to the teachers, giving students a bad self-image, and costing the school more and more money.


Shale	Dec 21, 2004	IL.	8th grade student
I am in eighth grade. I hate standardized test and hate is a very strong word, but I'm using it. In the book "Story Time" ( which I strongly reccomend,) Shows that standarized testing is bad for all. My mom is a teacher and she hates them too. I received bad scores on my test and my teachers are basing our high school reccomendations on it. I hope you read the book, and feel the same way I do.


Gary Pacukewicz	Jan 30, 2005	Chicago	Teacher
Hey! Check out the sentence structure and grammar usage from those individuals getting their “educational” degrees. Lord help us! How in the heck are they going to teach if they cannot write a decent sentence? How will they determine if their students'writing assignments meet performance standards if they cannot write? Scary!


Lauren	Feb 07, 2005	Charleston	Student
As a Junior in High School, I must say that while standardized testing is not completely unfounded, it is consistantly misused. Standardized tests are a "smoke and mirrors" attempt to hide our broken education system. At one point in time, America was ranked 1st in education, now we are somewhere around 37th. We've grown too fat and lazy to learn. And we are too proud to admit our faults and correct them. Last year I was require to take the HSAP, or Exit Exam, and I was shocked. I remember walking out of the testing room terrified I had failed-not because it was difficult. In my mindset, nothing could possibly be that easy. We spend far too much time preparing for multiple choice tests, and not enough preparing for life. I know I won't be spoon fed all of my life, and I resent the fact that I have been thus far. I hope that in future years this problem can be solved, for my (future) children's sake.


Ashley	Feb 11, 2005	Mississippi	College Feshman
Right now , I am working on a research paper involving standardized testing. I am totally against standardized testing because I think that tests such as the ACT can not measure a person` s academic ability. Before graduating from high school in May 2005, I ranked at the top of my class with an average ACT score. My ACT score kept me from getting into the nursing school of my choice. I wish that ACT scores didn`t play a big role in the college admissions process.


Nathan	Feb 14, 2005	Las Vegas, NV	11th grade
we do spend a lot of time learning how to pass these standardized tests but dont we only learn how to pass the test in more than just grades 1-12? the driveing test for example is just something i had to learn to get around so i can drive. was i learning anything that i would use later in life? probably not. all the basics i learn from experiance. green is go red is stop if you do anything else you learn from your miseak or do it untill you learn. all we are doing is learning how to learn in school. if we dont know how to learn to outsmart some test how do you expect yourself to learn to outsmart the other applicant for the job you want? and its not about cheating or lying which doesnt get you anywhere its just learning how to get around once you get into the real world.


Zac	Feb 15, 2005	Lilburn, Georgia	8th Grader
It seems that most people on this board oppose standardized test. The tests don't see us as thinking indivisuals. I have had a whole year where teachers make us memorize random crap for a test. They end up not teaching us the important things for our future. We just learn the test.


awesomeface	Feb 17, 2005	awesome
Stndardized Testing ROXXXXXXXX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Travis Fox	Feb 21, 2005	TX	Student
Standardized testing has become a pressuring topic in schools today. It is required to pass certain state-wide tests in order to graduate. This directly interferes with the curriculum of the school. Instead of students focusing on the class, they are mainly learning how to pass these standardized tests. I beleive this takes away from what the whole "learning process".


Rachel	Feb 21, 2005	8th grade
I hate the dumb tests. I am actually doing a project in school about how bad they are. They are biased, coachable, and ruin creativity. In korea all these people had PhD's but got fired from world corporations because they lacked innovation and creativity. Now, many colleges are taking homeschooled students because atleast they can think for themselves. Every stinking year i know have to take atleast 2 standardized tests. I hate them. But atleast i should be happy...i do really well on them. I got a 24 on the ACT this year...


Michael	Feb 22, 2005	Owasso High School, Owasso, OK	Student
What we need is for schools to focus on arts and music...seems they're the only smart ones anyway. Art breeds intelligence in my opinion. Even if I'm not as intelligent as a psychometrician, I bet I don't need a standardized test to tell me that.


Ty	Feb 26, 2005	College Student
As a student, I believe that the SAT and ACT tests mean well and are fair. But state testing has gotten out of control. Throughout school, I have been in a class, being taught a lesson, when someone begins questioning. Questioning leads to debate- a healthy way of learning. However, my teacher had to stop the debate because MCAS tests were around the corner and we needed to prepare for those. MCAS is the Massachusetts state tests which now determines graduation and scholarships for state schools. I passed with Advanced in both, but why? Because useless information was crammed down my throat and regurgitated back up. I would have liked to finish the debate that day. I remember and learn more when its interesting. I believe that students should be exposed to all aspects of learning (history, art, music, math, science etc) when they are little. Then as time goes on, field trips should be taken to get a feel of the outside world. (To army bases, hospitals, prisons, museums, plays, science oriented...) Then one can choose which direction they are leaning towards. After hospital work, I decided upon becoming a nurse. I wanted to take anatomy and physiology classes. Not physics. I think education needs a reform, but it needs to be done sensibly and responsibly.


liz p	Feb 26, 2005	MA	student
So, standardized aptitude tests are both good and bad. This is not just inclusive of the SATs but also the GREs or the ACTs, or anything else for that matter. Its good because we know how the schools do, and if a kid can't pass them, and another from the same class can, there is a problem recognition. But to base accpetance to a college on them? WHY? I don't think that its ok to do this at all. We shouldn't have them at such an early age either. 2nd grade? Do kids need that pressure? No. There won't be change on this topic and we all wasted our breath unless we can get the gov't to see our side...


Hayden S	Mar 01, 2005	Santa Rosa	Student
Standardized tests are not a bad thing. They are the only efficient way to test student aptitude and achievemen on such a mass scale as the United States. The only problem is that there are too many of them. In California there is the SAT 9's, STAR tests, Golden States exams, Ca. High School state exit exam, and benchmark tests. We need to consolidate these into two tests. Standardized test are not bad when used in moderation.


Jimmy	Mar 03, 2005	Kansas	Sitting on Babies
As a word of advice for all you kind readers... follow the yellow brick road.


Sir Arthur Conan Doyle	Mar 03, 2005	New York	Personal aprentice of Donald T
i inVENTED the standerdized test. Dont be talking bout my jiffs like that-! Oh... and I'll be waiting for you brotha. 1/2 mile south weever street, Boston post road in larchmont... TO GIVE YOU A HUNDRED DOLLAS (in cash). ill be waitin for you ta find me.


lizziebeth	Mar 03, 2005	Missouri	High School Freshman
i dont think standardized testing is really all that bad. i mean, u have to meet a standard to get anywhere in life...even school. i think standardized testing is a neccesary tool to help educate students in the best way possible.


Good Grammar kid	Mar 10, 2005	houston	Prfesoinal stdent
Im good at gammr i Lve ther tsts thyz hpls my splling gert butter in mys skul


Ted Turner	Mar 10, 2005	Beverly Hills CA	media mogul
Standardized testing has been proven by recent studies at University of Djarling to lead to insanity and suicidal acts. The stress put upon these children is overwhelming. I Theodore Turner declare Standardized testing faulty.


Desmundo	Mar 10, 2005	Hickton, Mississippi	Professiol Fool
I strongly believe standardized testing is where are country's future is. Let's go back to what standardized testing is, an efficient way to milk cows. America needs to have a healthy dairy industry. I as an American support a stronger dairy industry and a stronger America. Ted Turner is whack. What was he talkin about??????


Joe Burns	Mar 10, 2005	Sioux Falls, Nebraska	farm hand
who's tedturnetr? he'san imbosil! !@#^%$()(^@#! #%^&%^$$%^&(*^#$@


Fatima	Mar 11, 2005	battle creek, michigan	student
you guys are losers. you need to check your facts and get them straight. it's not milking cows, its milking goats.


crazyl	Mar 12, 2005	Meridian, Idaho	student
i think standardized tests are good for teachers to get a pretty good look at how there students are doing, but it isn't right for them to study three weeks before just to cram all of the information into there heads, because the test isn't going to be what the have learned that year, but rather the information given to prep for the test. Aslo, all students learn and mature differently, no one is a standard person, so we shouldn't be taking standard tests.


Wet Willy	Mar 14, 2005	Charlotte, N.C.	student
I'm not really sure who invented the standardized test and it's not always that bad, but when it is used incorrectly I would like to meet that guy and kick him in his left nut. Right in the ole' left nad.


Hillary Urban	Mar 15, 2005	Grand Rapids, MI	College Student
Standardized testing does not test a childrens ability to know and understand the material that is being served to them. Why should we have to stop what we are learning to prepare for a test that is going to determin what? I don't think that it is fair that a resulting number determins if I can go to a certin college. I also don't think that it is fair that I was not required to take some classes in high school and those classes ended up on the act. I am a smart person and I don't need a standard test to tell me or my future college that. Standardized tests are biased as all hell.


Kelsey	Mar 17, 2005	Prosser, WA	Student
I do not believe that the WASL(our state test) is an effective way to show students knowledge. Some students may be very smart, but then freeze on tests. It doesn't make sense to me that your future is based on a silly test, that if you don't pass after the 4th time, you don't graduate. I know 4 times is a lot but some people just completely freeze up. In the schools here, the only thing the teachers do are things that will relate to the WASL, and even then we have a low passing rate. Obviously something is wrong, and it needs to be fixed.


Tanya	Mar 17, 2005	Prosser WA, 99350	9th Grade Student
I agree with several of the people on this message board. Everyone is saying no child left behind, but that is EXACTLY what they are doing with these standardized tests. If you don't pass than you don't graduate. I am in the class of 2008, which is the class that MUST pass the WASL in order to graduate. That is an enormous amount of pressure to put on a high school student. I cannot rememeber a time in my education when I wasn't hearing about how I must pass the WASL to graduate. Teachers are so worried about not being fired by their school board they are shoving useless facts down our throats like crazy. I am a 4.0 student, who is also in sports and involved in clubs at school. I do not feel like I need another thign pressuring me. Teachers are teaching us the test, not skills that will actually help us in life. I passed all 4 sections in the 4th and 7th grade, and I do not feel like I have grown from any of it.


Susan Wilson	Mar 17, 2005	Prosser, WA	Highschool Student
Standarized testing is pointless, hardly any students are passing these tests, which means the schools are going to be FULL of people who didnt graduate. This requirement is absolutely ridiculous, and testing still should be required for appropriate placing, but NOT to determine who graduates and who doesn't, let the real world worry about that. If students aren't passing the WASL then it destorys the orignal plan of making sure everyone does. DESTROY THE WASL!!!


Bailey	Mar 17, 2005	Prosser Wa	Freshman
Since I've been in fourth grade I've had to take the Wasl (some years (two!!) were skipped). It's dumb. People in more "higher intelligence" classes are expected to do better than everyone else. Again, stupid. As the class of 2008, we HAVE to pass the WASl in prder to graduate. You fail, 3 more chances. Some kids just don't do good under pressure. Some really smart kids are gonna be screwwed into the ground because of it. My parents which are teachers are totally against it. Yo people, suck up and see the WASL doesn't help


Alex	Mar 17, 2005	Prosser, WA	Crime-fighting athlete
The WASL (Washington Assessment of Student Learning) along with all of those other standardized tests are in a word: stupididioticretarded. In Washington,only approximately 33% of all students pass the WASL, every year. Now a law has been passed that MY CLASS (2008) will have to pass this stupid and pointless test to graduate. Does that seem wrong to anyone else? OK, only one third of our students are passing this test so we'll make it a graduation requirement, so that it is more difficult for students to graduate, and that more of them will drop and have to find some low-income job that has no future, but that's ok atleast we'll have plenty of burger flippers to feed our obese, stupid country. Not only is it completely wrong to make testing a graduation requirement, but it's degrading. For the 66% percent who dont pass every year once this law comes into motion (next year, they will have to take it every year after that until they pass. Unless they think it would be easier to get a good career without a high school diploma. And because our classes are based around these tests, American students are scoring lower on American tests than students from other countries on the SAME tests. The WASL, along with the rest of the standardized tests. Either change the tests, or get rid of them all together, it's that simple. As a student, I feel we have a right to a say in our education and I WANT mine NOW!!


Ashley	Mar 17, 2005	Prosser, WA	9th grader
As a member of the class of 2008 (the first class required to pass the WASL in order to graduate) i feel that this test is unjust to not just students but to teachers also. I myself have passed every section of the WASL every year I've taken it, yet my education has not been furthered by knowing that I passed the WASL. But take a look at the past. We have never before relied on a standardized test to allow our students to graduate and have we not been doing well. I will agree that to a certain extent the WASL can tell you were you are in your education but to determine your future is a little far fetched. Without this test a 4.0 will remain a 4.0, students with learning disabilities will still have those disabilities. What we need is to give the "low end schools" more money to help get them to the top rather than give more money to the schools that are doing great. The WASL is a menace to the students and teachers and needs to be ended before it takes its toll on our future.


Stephanie	Mar 17, 2005	Prosser, Wa	9th grade student
Standardized testing put an enourmous amount of pressure on students who are already overhwhelemed with pressure coming from parents and teachers. No two students are the same, so why should we all have to take the same test in order to determine where we are placed based on how everyone else performs? Have you ever heard of anyone who was successful because they were good at taking standardized tests? Say your at the top of your class and didn't do good on your SAT, you may not get into your college of choice. Maybe they just get nervous because of the expectation that the state sets on them. Come up with a new way to test us, don't expect us all to express knowledge in the same way.


none	Mar 18, 2005	CT	Student (9th)
Ok, since i am a student still, i still have to take the CMT's and the SAT's (eventually). Each year, for the most part i do fine, but i dont feel like my scores are good enough for me. The tests dont test us to make sure we are able to understand the material we are learning, like most tests, but they are only seeing if we are a liability. If u dont do good on theses tests, u arent a drone and they dont like that, they dont believe in individualality. i want to be individual thank u very much. test me all you want, but im not turning into another mindless drone!


rachel	Mar 21, 2005	spokane wa	sophomore student
ok ok so i agree the wasl ins't avery good standardized test, but its still a representation of students knowledge and students are failing it!!! students (that 66 %)that fail it in the 2008 class are gonna have to realize that eventually they might have to learn in school and if they want to do anything with their lives they'll pass the wasl, it pushes students to push themselves, and i'm totally stoked someone is finally doin it!!!!!!!!!


Tracy and David	Mar 22, 2005	Spokane ,WA	senior student
Though there are good things that standardized testing has to offer, it doesn't assess knowledge as well as everybody thinks. Some students learn by sight and some by feeling and the testing is written and it is those people, who are not visual learners, that don't do well. It's not that they don't know the information or that they don't work hard, because most of them are trying as hard as they can, it's beacause they just unable to learn visually and therefore the tests confuse them. We are seniors this year and it doesn't affect us either way and we care and we guarantee that if these older supporters had to hinge their future on a test that they couldn't pass, they would agree with us. Give the standardized test to any government official and we believe that at least 90% would not pass at the level that they are forcing the younger generation to pass at. Why don't we instead give the test to those officals and hinge their furtures in the political world on their own test scores and see how many go on to become politicians.


Jordan	Mar 22, 2005	Prosser WA	9th grade student
Standardized testing is a good thing. Many of the earlier people said that the tests are stupid, or dumb. They fail to notice the obvious benefits of standardized testing. The tests porvide a fair analysis of a student's capability which helps colleges slow down application reviewal times. Standardized tests are fair to all non-handicapped people. People who think they are stupid and dumb are probably the people who do poorly. Plus, standardized tests allow for an easy gauge of teacher efficiency. Overall, standardized tests are a great way to assess sutdent and teacher capabilities.


Molly	Mar 25, 2005	Prosser, WA	Student
Okay, Jordan, get a life. You said that the WASL is fair to all non-handicapped people. Exactly! Everyone who ESL or mentally disabled has a severe disadvantage when it comes to taking the WASL. Our minorities shouldn't be penalized for what they can't control. Like Susan said, "DESTROY THE WASL!!!"


aLexis	Mar 28, 2005	bklyn <33	sTudeNt <33
i think its dumb and she be gotten ridden of becuase its a very important test that can ruin someones life.Now what if that person had an off day.Or is not good at taking test.Or just froze and got nervse i mean we always get test and they can hurt us in life but still i dont think that this test should be allowed its just not good


Washington Player	Apr 09, 2005	Moscow, Texas	normal=street playa', currentl
1) standardized testing eliminates teacher subjectivity, meaning standardized testing eliminates the teacher bias. 2)Standardized testing makes sure everyone is on the same page. Two students could take the be of equal intelligence, yet have two different tests. The difference, one passes the other doesn't 3) Standardized testing accurately covers an already mandatory curriculum put forward by the state. The difference? makes sure teachers are doing their job 4) Holds everyone accountable, teachers included. 5) anyone who opposes standardized testing is mad because they didn't get the ranking they wanted.HAHA!


George	Apr 09, 2005	California	Student
thats so ...................................................true?


Princess	Apr 12, 2005	southbend	student
i think all these tests are bad, in some cases they may be good but they all are not.Sure the scores that are high can get you in to college or a good paying job but what about the people who's grades didnt cut it.These tests hurt people and sometimes ruin families.You haft t think about that basketball star that wants to go to duke,that was on a scholarship but his grades didn't cut it so his scholarship is revoked and now he cant go to college so he's gonna go gang bang or cell drugs.it isn't fair,most teens drop out just because of the tests,especially in the black community.It just ain't right!


littledanya	Apr 12, 2005	Arizona	Senior
The idea behind Standardized testing is good, and I agree. But the way these tests are set up, they do no one good. I scored "exceeds expectations" on Arizona's tests (all three secions of the AIMS) and I was not challenged at all. The tests are supposed to check knowledge of students, but anyone can fill in bubbles and have good luck with it ...


Marc	Apr 13, 2005	Prosser, WA	Student
Yes, standardized tests are fair to students, except for disabled people. The problem with the WASL is that the scores of disabled students reflects badly upon the schools. It is unfair to disabled students and the schools. It doesn't need to be "destroyed", but it DOES need to be drastically improved.


Jonet	Apr 14, 2005	Baton Rouge, LA	Student @ LSU
I think that standardized test are very stupid. What is the point of worrying about your GPA in high school if your future lies in one test? If thats the case why do we waste so many years. Just give us a study guide for the test and let us cram for about a week so that we can get into Harvard with a full scholarship.


Bubba	Apr 16, 2005	Carterville, IL	Farmer
You don't make the pig fatter by weighing it all the time.


Dee Dee	Apr 18, 2005	Chicago Heights, IL	Student
Ok, take the darn tests. What does it prove nothing. How do you know what you got wrong? You don't. How do you know what you got right? You don't. How do you know what you don't understand if when you took the test, you thought that you understood? No one helps wrong the rights so who really gives a !


Ashley	Apr 18, 2005	BG, Ohio	Student
Meeting the standards without complaint is a great way to get a perfect cookie-cutter society. If our country continues to "teach to the test" then we will no longer be a democracy with individual voices, but a well oiled machine that doesn’t think for its self, only does what it is programmed to do. It's great for everyone to say that they hate these tests but are any of you truly doing anything about it? If you all believe that these tests are bad then stand up and speak together, one person can't do anything, but together you all could accomplish something no matter what your age, or profession. The only way to fix a problem is to speak out!


Geraldine	Apr 19, 2005	Palm Beach County, FL	Teacher
I teach kindergarten students. It is such a delight to watch them enjoy unlimited learning. However, my heart aches for my fellow colleagues that are subjected to the intense pressure of preparing their students for "active duty" on the Florida Commprehensive Assessment Test. Testing cannot be avoided in our complex society. Therefore, it is my job to make sure that all of my little ones are reading comfortably before leaving my class. Preparing children in the primary years, resolves most testing issues during secondary years. Testing has many positive benefits. However, effective primary teaching of ALL children will break the cycle of "test failures" in our nation.


Mike	Apr 19, 2005	Rocklidge, FL	Teacher
Ha! Ha! Ha! Kindergarteners reading comfortably? At what level? Let's get real!


Pylon	May 02, 2005	PA	High school student
I do not apporve of standardized testing; it is an unfair means of measuring "knowledge." In my high school, everyone thinks taht they have to pass the PSSA test to graduate. Our rules say, however, that you just have to pass English in 11th grade OR 12th with above a C- and pass at least Integrated Math II with the same grade. Yet every year, the juniors miss a week of classes in the fall to write ridiculous essays (my entire room had to write essays on a law we would create or change; we all wrote about the stupidity of No Child Left Behind) and a week in spring to answer questions on unimportant pieces of poetry and prose and write essays on how we know that if you have 4 red marbles and 7 green ones, you have a 4/11 chance of randomly selecting a red one. My personal favorite question, after the purely brilliant essays on NCLB, was a question about a poem that was on rain in Oregon in the winter; we had to write an explanation on a theme from the poem and use examples from teh text. I passed a note to my friend beside me that said "Is 'don't go to Oregon in the winter, you'll be bored and drown' a theme?" Our teachers are annoyed because we miss class, we're annoyed because we miss class and still have to do the work, and the administrarion is annoyed because they are incapable of scheduling testing around fieldtrips taht involve 50% of the student body (that actually happened this year). Also, despite the printing of a very specific time limit, we were allowed extra hours and days in the event that we did not finish. Those of us who finished in about 20 minutes still missed classes and had nothing to do but sit there and think "hmm, I wrote an essay I totally made up, yet I cannot go to class and so I'm going to be way behind." In the words of my class mate, "Thank you, No Child Left Behind, I love you." Ad as our homeroom teacher said, "Don't mess up too badly unless you want the government to come in and dress you all in army uniforms, but not camo, because that's against the rules. Just don't make us look dumb."


Kristin	May 05, 2005	Utah	HS student
Standardized testing doesn't measure anything. It mostly measures the student's ability to take a test. How could they develop a standardized test where they collect information based on something that we have been learning all of our life? It is pathetic. Teachers are starting to "teach to the test". It is getting to be ridiculous! BOYCOTT THE TESTS!


Paige	May 11, 2005	Milo, Ab, Canada	student
I think that these PAT's are really stupid, and unfiar. It is impossible for everyone to have a fair chance on thier tests. Any one who suppports these tests SUCK!!!


D-zed	May 11, 2005	Milo, Alberta	student
standardized tests are gay. i'm in grade 9 and and i have to take the stupid PAT's this year....IT SUCKS they test you on things you and your teacher don't even know sometimes. everything you are tested on has less than NOTHING to do with real life THEY ARE VERY STUPID


proud college dropout	Jul 27, 2005	free learner
Let's face facts, people. Government schools are designed to teach only one thing: a dependent, compliant mentality. No amount of "accountability" or "standards" will change this fact. As long as you are an inmate of the school system, you are expected to blindly follow orders as to what to do and how to think. You must absorb material as Teacher presents it, regurgitate it in whatever form Teacher prefers, and accept Teacher's judgements on everything you do. Much of the knowledge arbitrarily force-fed to you in this manner fades quickly from your mind since it has no meaning in your life, and school schedules leave litte left over time for real learning. The end result of years of such treatment is a uneducated (or, at best, little-educated) person handicapped in their abilities to think, plan, learn and judge for themselves. Of course, being the good little school-system-worshipping, government-dependent subjects we've all been trained to be, most proposed solutions to these problems require more schooling and more government control. ("Let's make sure kids learn to uphold our ideals of individual thought and freedom by giving them tests that prove they can instantly produce the government's preferred responses!") If people want to be good examples of standing up against this tyrannny, they shouldn't limit themselves to skipping the week when standardized tests are given. They should begin their real educations immediately by dropping out of school altogether.


proud college dropout	Aug 29, 2005	free learner
Let's face facts, people. Government schools are designed to teach only one thing : a dependent, compliant mentality. No amount of "acccountability" or "standards" will change this fact. As long as you are an inmate of the school system, you are expected to blindly follow orders as to what to do and what to think. You must passively absorb information as Teacher presents it, regurgitate it in whatever form Teacher prefers, and accept Teacher's judgments on everything you do. Much of the knowledge arbitrarily force-fed to you fades quickly from your mind since it has no meaning in your life, and school schedules leave little time left over for real learning. The end result is an uneducated (or at best, little-educated) person handicapped in their abilities to think, plan, learn, and judge for themselves. Of course, being the good little school-system-worshipping, government-dependent subjects we've all been trained to be, most proposed solutions to these problems require more schooling and more government control. ("Let's make sure kids learn to uphold our ideals of individual thought and freedom by giving them tests that prove they can instantly produce the government's preferred responses!") If people want to be good examples of standing up against this tyranny, they shouldn't limit themselves to skipping the week when standardized tests are given. They should begin their real educations immediately by dropping out of school altogether.


Jen	Sep 05, 2005	Pennsylvania	Student
Who really cares? Just take the dumb tests and move on witg your life!


Anonymous	Sep 19, 2005	Indiana	Student
its pointless you dont know what you got wrong or right so theres no way a teacher could help you with the area you need it on. some people are not good test takers and that alone makes them nervous but to tell them that this will help you out in life and if you dont do well you may not graduate thats scary! kindergartners learning to read? 4th grade doing algebra and geometry? come on!


briana	Sep 28, 2005	kingman, az	student
i think that standardized testing is the best thing since teachers. personally i feel that if you cant pass a simple test then you have proven that you didnt learn anything in high school or whatever school you are attending at the time. the stress isnt even that bad. each test takes about an hour or less and if that isnt enough time, then you have until the end of the school day to finish it. you're usually put in the library or some quite room. finally everyday you are given a snack before the test and you can even eat it during the test.!!!!! water also and you're allowed bathroom breaks!!!!! okay im through stating my opinion. i passed all of my aims so im not worried about anything.


Don't know my name	Oct 11, 2005	Wa	junior
I think that standardized testing is bad for several reasons. The first is that it is used to measure how well a particular school is doing without accounting for people who may speak but not read English very well. In the area I live, approximately 80% of the population speaks English as their second language, and some have only been in the U.S. for a few days. This is unfair to them and to the school. Second, standardized testing judges how well the teachers are doing at teaching a subject. This is unfair because in this area, noi matter what the teacher does, the kids refuse to learn. They don't try to understand any of the material the teacher gives. They don't do their homework, and they couldn't care less about the test so long as they don't get into trouble for not passing. My school had to resort to bribery last year to get the students to pass. Also, the WASL is inaccurate because the test is not objective. If the person correcting the essays doesn't like a particualr writing style they can find problems even if the essay is perfect. The last reason is that the tests don't allow for things like a family death, late night sports games, and other things that might hamper the child's ability to take the test.


Ida Byrd-Hill	Oct 13, 2005	Detroit, MI	Parent
Let’s face it!!! Our children are judged based on their grade point average and their performance on standardized test such as ACT/ SAT. Our children’s high school and college admissions are based on those credentials. As parents, we invest money in sophisticated desktop/ laptop computers to give them access to the worldwide web. We establish home offices, libraries and structured areas to encourage daily homework and studying. We believe constant studying and attention to homework will groom our children to brilliant status and give them impeccable credentials. To a certain extent, we are correct. Homework and study skills lay the basic foundation for school success as high grade point averages flow from high test scores. Memory skills and repetition is the key to high grade point averages; however, they are not the key to brilliance on standardized test. Standardized test, such as California Achievement Test (CAT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Test (ACT), assumes students are exposed to different cultures, climates, countries and experiences at least 10 times before reaching 10th grade. Students who perform the best on standardized test have exposure to diverse experiences. What better way to gain this exposure than a vacation to another city, state, country or continent!!!!! Wealthy families have always known that trips, getaways and vacations are the secret to grooming brilliant students. Family vacations are an opportunity for students to apply all their classroom knowledge quickly. The average vacation is three to seven days. Some wealthy families are known to vacation up to 45 days on multiple continents. Nevertheless, most families are on a limited timeframe requiring them to make quick decisions regarding currency exchange, climate differences, navigation of city, etc. These decisions while extremely practical require the use of mathematics, science, geography, social studies and reading. Unconsciously, students are immersed into lessons fueled by sheer excitement and curiosity. Imagine how productive the lesson would become if a family vacation evolves around a classroom lesson. Children learn lessons at a faster pace. For example, a train trip to an Indian Reservation in Arizona/ New Mexico really solidifies a lesson on Native American History. For a list of classroom vacation ideas, visit www.livinginstyleonline.com and click on the link, School Lesson Vacations. I know you are thinking “I don’t have the money for vacation as travel is too expensive.” Under normal circumstances and full prices, travel can be extremely expensive. However, prices drop substantially September 7 through November 20 as this time period is considered the travel slow season. Other lesser known slow seasons are December 1 through December 20, January 3 through February 1 and 2 weeks after Passover/Easter through May 20. Combine slow season discounts with internet discounts, a family can experience the world at the fraction of cost of your holiday (Christmas, Hanukah, and Ramadan) gift fund. “I spent $1500 dollars for a 3 day vacation in Nassau, Bahamas. That cost included air travel to Miami for 3 people and a cruise to Bahamas. Since food was include, the trip was relatively inexpensive,“ states Ida Byrd-Hill, a parent of 7th grade twins, Kevin and Karen Hill who attend Duke Ellington Conservatory of Music and Art (a Detroit Public School). “My children learned about world colonization, but better yet they learned about opportunities as they met the Bahamian Governess, a woman of African descent. I am glad I was able to find that trip at www.livinginstyleonline.com as Karen scored 96 percentile on the Social Studies portion of the California Achievement Test and Kevin scored 87 percentile on the Science portion of the California Achievement Test " states Byrd-Hill. Great deals can be found on the internet by booking at least 14 days or even 21 days in advance. There are also websites that specialize in last minute travel. Often these trips (air/ hotel combos) are for a weekend departing the same week you book the vacation or the next weekend. Since there are so many travel websites on the internet it pays to spend some time price comparing. There are websites, like www.livinginstyleonline.com, that allow individuals to surf many of the top websites and not so well known sites to compare vacation pricing. If you want to groom your children into brilliant students, improve their grades and performance on standardized test, implement the secret wealthy families have known for generations – Take a Family Vacation. Good Trip!!! Bon Voyage!!! Viaje Bueno!!! Arrivaderci!!! Viaggio Buono!!! Gut Tschus!!!


stephanie	Oct 18, 2005	florida	high school sophomore
Well as you guys all know, every student in the nation has encountered a miserable standardized test. I bet everyone has taken the FCATS, and the majority of us have learned to hate it. The worst part is that, you know how much we get prepared for the tests and we still do badly. It’s just pretty much a waste of time. All this time that we waste in getting prepared could be put for better use. All the FCAT tests that we take at least once a year and the questions everyone in our grade sees are the same, but in reality are all the students equal? No. Why must we judge them in such an unfair way? Students are students and a test is a test. Students will remain rebellious against these tests however the state legislature will ignore them. If the state ignores us, then why would they want to look at our completed tests from the start if they want to “ignore us” and not take our advice? Of course, the school I attend does a lot to make the students get ready for a test but teaches us techniques that we won’t abide. We are merely here to learn necessities for our important future, and by important, I mean no testing. Reading and math are needed but not in a fill in the bubble test. What do we learn in that? While students, like me, think that we are in school to learn (hopefully exciting new things) we are actually here to be lured to do what the state has made us/teachers do. Mostly, as time progresses, we will come to forget what education really was, we will continue the same routine of testing techniques while we learn nothing of importance in return. Testing is pointless, the teachers are told what to teach in order for the students to prevail and make our school look good. How does it help us later on? Why do we need to fit standards in order to be good students? Many people, including many friends of mine, are extremely intelligent but according to their FCAT scores are classified as failures. That is not fair at all. No test is a good one until it’s not one at all. :) thank you


Joe	Oct 19, 2005	Texas	Student
One of the crucial problems with standardized testing is that it is completely separate from the schools grading. If a junior student gets academic recognition on the test (TAKS as it is here now) yet fails the classes they are taking, they do not pass on to the next grade level. Also, if one passes all the classes they are taking with straight A's, yet fails the TAKS they do not pass on to the next grade level. The only way to move on is to pass both the classes and the TAKS. This puts excessive workloads on both students and teachers. Teachers have to find ways to work in teaching their students how to pass the big test and still get them to know enough about their course to pass their final exams. Accordingly the students have to have enough knowledge to pass the standardized multiple choice test, and enough to pass all of their required classes. One of these (at least in my opinion) does not belong. Throughout history teachers teaching students the necessary information for the class they are taking has been sufficient. I think the one not belonging in this family might just be the standardized test.


ashlee	Nov 06, 2005	oc, california	having fun being a kid
umm yeah standardized testing is pointless...it gets pretty boring after like the first two hours and then we just start to bubble in random letters. just stop please. there is no need for those tests in america. thankyou. my job here is done.


jubjubb	Nov 11, 2005	hellifiknow, tx	7th grader
i have been reading since age 3.I have never taken longer than 1 hour on the tests. i have never missed more than 2 questions. for all the emphasis put on these things,they sure are easy!


l33t	Jan 28, 2006	Nowhere	l33t
STANDARDIZED TESTING SUX NOOBS ITS SO INACCURATE


tp79	Jan 28, 2006	53th street	eet
woowhoowhoo


something...	Jan 31, 2006	fl	student
Idont really like the testing because if you are not ready, and you fail there is a pretty good chance you will fail or not go to the high school you want to go to


jaquie	Jan 31, 2006	florida	student
Standardized testing proves nothing to te government other then how well they've trained us. People back in the "olden days" didn't have to take standardized tests and many of them now run major companies and are some smart cookies.


erica	Feb 08, 2006	USA	10th grade student
I am writing a paper on standardized testing.I would like your opinions on whether or not you think they are a good idea. Please e-mail me at ILoveTurkeys@aol.com,thanks!


KOH	Feb 08, 2006	NC	college freshman
I am a terrible test taker. I am the one that typically gets poor grades. I believe that standardized testing is overrated. If you are a poor test taker, then how are you supposed to pass these tests. It is because of these tests that I am not at the college I wanted to go to.


kishan	Feb 18, 2006	warrensburg,mo,usa	student
I dont think standardized tests are measuring the capabilities of a students but instead it measures how well a teacher can teach and how much pressure can a school adminstrator can put on the teacher.


Illiana	Feb 21, 2006	A.K.	High School Student
I've always done well on standardized tests. However, I do not find them to be a fair indicator of a person's ability or their intellect. A person who is very good at mechanical things, or who is extremely intelligent and freezes on tests, could very well be prohiited from moving foreward or graduating in many of today's schools. As for the fact that teacher bonuses and school funding are based on testing -- this simply causes more cheating to occur (from the teachers as well as the students.) It creates non-involved and boring teachers. Non-involved because they're too worried about how their students are performing academically to worry about their students' needs. Boring because they teach to the test, and nearly nothing else. To learn well and to enjoy school (which would result in less drop outs) students need a teacher who will teach with odd and unique styles. These are greatly restricted by the test curriculum.


Jason	Feb 22, 2006	weston FL	Middle school
"I personally think that there should be no standardized tests. it causes stress factors and anxiatey"


Someone	Feb 25, 2006	Ummm....	Middle School person
Thx guys, for all the cool posts!! I'm gonna use them for my speech I've gotta do on testing!!!


Tiger	Mar 03, 2006	N/A	Leader
Can someone write me an essay on testing


someone	Mar 06, 2006	student
Sadly, I'm one of those students that are forced to take these tests EVERY YEAR. I can't tell how much I hate them. Lately my teachers have been over stressed about the test and have been taking it out on us! All I learn about is how to write a story, answer multiple choice, answer questions , and all of that stuff that is needed for ONLY that test. I am starting to think that's all I know what to do , since that's all I am taught. It's gotten to the point where you have to write a one page answer on a math problem, no matter what the question may be. I was asked to write about three paragraphs to explain my answer IN MATH. Why can't I just write the answer to this problem is #? It is math after all. Isn't the most important part that you are able to understand, do, and answer the problem correctly? WRONG! The funny thing about it is if you write "those three paragraphs" and get the answer wrong you get a higher grade than someone who answered the question with a correct answer, but didn't write an essay on the answer. Where did the math part of the test go? That just shows how great and accurate these tests truly are.


the someone above	Mar 06, 2006	student
oh I forgot to mention something about the math: we get to use calculators


Lauren	Mar 07, 2006	Texas, San Antonio	Student
Each year in Texas, students must take, and pass the TAKS test. Being a military school, students come in and out, mostly unprepared for these tests. Last year, our school had the lowest scores in the school district. In order to "improve our school and students well being" our school has dropped many many electives, and extra-curricular activities, so we can have even more time to devote to this standardized tests. These tests are not going to help us in the "real world." These tests are not going to help us excede in art, languages, sports, or even in our academic studies,for that matter. Our school is putting together a boycott, to ban these standardized tests, and bring back what is truly important to our schools.


Lavitz	Mar 22, 2006	McBain, MI	12th grade student
Some of the people at my school are so fed up with taking the standardized tests that they just make pretty pictures out of all the little circles. The few I've seen have been pretty good.


Conair	Mar 23, 2006	Norman, Oklahoma	College Student
I think that standardized tests are a horrible way for people to judge how smart you are. I am a smart person but not a good test taker. They are just tests to put kids self esteem down and make them fell dumb or make people feel really good about themselves. I do not like those people that score high without trying.


Jimmy	Mar 23, 2006	San Diego, CA	College Student
Thanks for the awesome posts. I have to do a speech over testing so I am going to use your posts for research if you do not mind.


Terry Tack	Mar 31, 2006	Saginaw, Michigan


Terry Tack	Mar 31, 2006	Saginaw, Michigan	Student, Senior
I am currently writing a speech on how i feel about standardized testing. i think that too much emphasis is put on standardized tests. I personaly have done a very good job in high school maintaining a very respectible GPA, being one of very few to have perfect attendance, and i have always done my very hardest. i think it is very sad that because i got a 3 on a test instead of a 1 or 2 makes me a dumb person or a slacker. I tried my hardest, and wrote to the best of my ability and i just cant do it. I AM NOT A TEST TAKER!! I can do all the work, I can pick things up easily, but i fold when my future depends on a stupid test called the ACT that my parents, and teachers expect me to do a great job on. I think it is sad and very low that some idiot government employee and a group of idiotic teachers base our entire high school careers on some dumb test. I know people who got a higher test score than me, and the sad thing is is that they never tried in high school, and they took the test because they had to so they guessed on every question. It's cool how someone who just so happens to guess better than I gets more scholorships. NOT.. If you are the one who came up with Standardized tests i think you should be ashamed of yourself.


BJ Ivery	Mar 31, 2006	Rechenville	student
I think standardized testing deserves to be roundhouse kicked to the head by chuck Norris. P.S. Chuck norris is cool+


Carolina	Apr 03, 2006	El Paso, TX	Student
I Believe that this whole TAKS Testing thing is so unfair...because it depends on graduation if we pass the test or not..and i think that if we passed the courses (English, Social Studies, Science, and Writing) then why do we have to be retested to see if we really have the knowledge of it..


Mom	Apr 08, 2006	California	at home mom with many academic
Is test-taking a life skill? What a ridiculous thng to teach our children. There are many paths to a fulfilling life, and academics should open the door to those many possibilities, as should vocational training. Standardized testing fails our children and our teachers in every imaginable way, which is why I waive testing unless my children WANT to participate (one does, because it's all a game to her). And if the spelling and grammar I've seen in these posts is any indication, there isn't nearly enough teaching going on in classrooms, other than "teaching to the test". Literature and letter-writing, physics and auto-mechanics: these are the doors I want open my children, not multiple- choice and more multiple-choice. Should my children decide to become ivory-tower academics as I once was, or at-home parents as I am now, or the best-damned plumber in town, I don't care, as long as their early education doesn't actually impair, ignore or thwart any of the options they should have available to them. The purpose of education should be to help parents prepare children for LIFE, not prepare them for test-taking.


Keith	May 06, 2006	OKC,OK	HS Senior
Standardize testing is just a way for us to avoid dealing witht he current educational problem in which the US faces. Tese test are not an accurate way of telling how well sa student is going to do in College or in life. It's highly inaccurate in determining rather or not a student has learned what is needed to be learnt in a certain grade. The main problem I have with these test such as the ACT, and SAT, and AP exams, and also yeah EOI's. Is that there is a huge amount of stock put into these test. They mean everything now, and somehow I find a problem with that. NOw I must implement my plans to move to another country with better educational opportunities.


Katherine L.	Jul 02, 2006	Gilmer, TX	HS student
Standardized testing, such as the SAT and ACT, are useful to colleges and universities. But state wide tests that test every single student for hours at a time are ridiculous. They stress students out and do not accurately show how much a student has learned. I know several people who just blew the tests off and didn't bother to even show up in some cases. They force teachers to teach a certain thing and do not allow for them to branch out and teach for each student. They teach the test, they don't care if you remember after the test. So many of my teachers just taught until the test was over then we didn't do anything that had to do with it and the teachers were a lot more relaxed because their jobs weren't affected by it anymore.

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