I had an epiphany this week as I was administering the Math tests to my 8th graders: the tests do nothing but make everyone feel inadequate. What good is that??
Principals feel inadequate because their schools don't perform well.
Teachers feel inadequate because their students don't perform well.
Students feel inadequate because they are given scores that in the real world are meaningless carry weight just the same.
If we must test, we need to find a better way to convey the results.
For example, wouldn't it be nice if the results came in and the first word on the report said, "Congratulations!" Then was followed with information about what gains were made? Wouldn't it be great if teachers also received information about where they did well and what areas they need to improve? Even better, wouldn't it be great if while that information was being relayed, a link for educational materials (free, of course) was provided to address those weak areas? Wouldn't it be great if principals stopped making everyone feel like crap when they don't, despite the high unlikelihood of doing so, score well?
These tests do nothing to further thinking and learning. They create a culture of cheating. Then, everyone is shocked to learn that cheating occurred. Ugh.
Better news please!
