Testing, again

It seems like there are fads throughout different parts of the year when it comes to education journalism. In April and May, it seems all anyone can talk about is standardized testing. With good reason, as that's the time of year which is when students take (and complain about) standardized tests. Of course, to have a program or curriculum succeed, it must be tested, and the same goes for tests. But this article explains the dangers (and possible legal consequences) for having questions that don't count on standardized tests.

To me, it seems like not testing the test when you're actually testing is common sense, but then again, when would you be able to test the test? If the students *know* nothing counts, they have no motivation. But then again, students in DC have no motivation to begin with since the real tests do not affect their grades or graduations (unlike the SOLs in Virginia), but they do have an overwhelming effect on teachers and administrators. What moron designed that system?

I really don't understand the ridiculousness of standardized testing. I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- what's the point?

Teaching and Leading

The fourth (and last) quarter always seems to be the most difficult one to get through. The teachers are just as sick of school as the students, and the students know it. It's so hard to stay motivated to teach, and therefore it's so hard to stay motivated to learn. Of course, it doesn't help that May is inundated with all the standardized tests, and regular teaching seems to get pushed aside.

I know I have complained this year that my supervisors have not been in my classroom enough, which has definitely affected my motivation, but according to veteran teacher Larry Cuban, principals' managerial duties are far more effective than their classroom visits. I really enjoyed reading this article, but I'm not really sure what to say about it. Really, it speaks for itself.

Here's another article that speaks for itself. Marion Brady makes an excellent point about comparing teachers to other professions that cannot be fit in a box. I wish more people would realize and appreciate the absolute complexity and nuance that goes into teaching (and learning, for that matter), and therefore understand that it cannot necessarily be measured in a standardized way.

Speaking of which, this kid has nailed satire and is only in eighth grade. There is hope for our education system yet.