Mandated state tests are a source of anxiety for many kids.
Our state tests are coming up in the next few weeks, and our students are already starting to freak out a bit.
The mere mention of these tests is often enough to induce groaning and general annoyance (at the very least), possibly even anger and a curse word or two (at the other extreme). Ever since “No Child Left Behind”, these tests have, in the minds of many educators, created more problems then they have solved.
The reasons are many and I won’t go into them here. What concerns me the most is how these tests impact our kids. As if they don’t have enough stress in their lives, now we’ve gotten them all worked up about this test. This one test, given on this one day, which is going to (fairly or unfairly) represent the total sum of their academic achievement. No matter if they aren’t feeling well, don’t test well, have learning problems, don’t put forth effort on tests, or had a family tragedy the night before. The test goes on.
As educators, we’ve been forced to worry about the test and it’s results. And that worry has trickled down to our kids. Many teachers feel that the pressure surrounding these types of tests has negatively impacted education. They feel that it has taken all of the joy out of teaching.
And more importantly, all the joy out of learning.
On a side note, check out Pass The Torch for the opportunity to win a copy of the book "Your Child's Strengths" by Jenifer Fox. This book provides parents and educators with suggestions for focusing and building upon kid's strengths, rather than attempting to "fix" what is wrong with them.
