We have discussed in class how much testing students has affected students and their education. Along with their learning and how much they learn on topics they need to know. But, what we haven't discussed is how much the testing affects the teachers. When going through an education program teachers are educated on how best to get through to kids and teaching methods that work best with different learners. We are also educated on fun ways to teach subjects that we love, but none of it prepares teachers for what they actually have to teach. Now when teachers get their first job they are so excited to make lesson plans and seating charts and decorate their classrooms, but then they are handed the core requirements and information about standardized testing for the year. This takes all the excitement out for most teachers. Now instead of being excited to teach they are worried that they aren't teaching the correct things to have their students pass tests, therefore having low scores and possibly affecting their jobs. More often now teachers are not staying at the same schools as long and less are reaching tenure, with mainly testing to blame.
This link is to a blog that a teacher has written about his years in teaching before standardized testing became a craze and after No Child Left Behind:
http://www.edutopia.org/standardized-testing-NCLB-school-suffers
He expresses how his former school did great in the first few years of NCLB but after time began to fail. His school was in Oakland, California, one of the most violent cities in the country and now his students were beginning to be looked at by the government. Since he has left the school is now in it's fourth year of unsuccessful by government standards and considered for closure. Along with that there is only one teacher left fry he science department that he was in because all the others have left due to the testing. Testing is ruining not only children's education but it is also ruining the lives if some excellent and passionate teachers!
It's sad to see how No Child Left Behind and the test taking hysteria is adversely affecting teachers as well as children. There isn't any incentive for good teachers who care to wade into deep waters and work with disadvantaged children. The disenfranchised are the ones who are losing, and the teachers are being punished more and more for it.
ReplyDeleteI have a hard time when I try to picture myself as a teacher in the future when I think about the stress of testing, as I was a horrible test taker myself. Many of my ideal plans for lessons and assignments when I have my own classroom will certainly be hindered by the testing craze.
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