Myth #5 (of 10): Statewide standardized tests help schools improve (equity) through competition and accountability.
The testing and accountability approach to school reform from the last 20+ years hasn't worked. Achievement hasn't improved markedly and the opportunity "gaps" haven't closed.
It's long past time to shift to strategies that don't rely on statewide standardized tests. Vermont already sends teams to schools to see how they are doing and we were once a leader in portfolios to assess student learning and system quality. Other states are exploring alternative means of school accountability that are more accurate, comprehensive, and humane.
Standardized tests are tools of systemic inequality. They directly contradict the focus on relationships, community building, and wellbeing that we need as we end this year of pandemic schooling. Even worse, the AOE has acknowledged that the tests this year won't produce valid results, and therefore has announced that it will not hold schools accountable for low performance or participation. But they are still requiring a full administration of the tests to tens of thousands of students.
Our students deserve better. Students who don't do well on standardized tests deserve to have their strengths recognized and leveraged by teachers who know them well, rather than judged from afar through flawed assessments. These tests threaten to directly harm students' understanding of themselves and learning. Even students who do well on these tests get the wrong message about the types of intelligence we as a community and society value and the importance of every person feeling like they belong and contribute.
Since schools won't get in trouble for low participation or scores, this is the perfect year to stand up to these tests.
The Waterbury Area Anti-Racism Coalition (WAARC) is encouraging families and students in our community to consider opting out of statewide standardized tests this spring. On Wednesday, April 21, 7:00-8:00, WAARC will host an information session to provide more info about the harms of standardized testing, how to have conversations with kids about it, and how to opt out if that's your choice.
We don't need to automatically accept inequitable systems. Together we can rethink and do better.
TO REGISTER FOR APRIL 21: https://forms.gle/eTd9PFj7gb8PX1Z47
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT WAARC'S POSITION AND STANDARDIZED TESTING MYTHS: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18N1c-RJMA4advE8babuWK_jhBOqj2U0VVsGLoz9QLUI/edit
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