Why Do Some Teachers Dislike Standardized Testing?
Standardized testing has been a contentious issue in the education system for decades. While some view standardized tests as a valuable tool, many teachers have voiced their concerns and criticisms. In this article, we explore the reasons why some teachers dislike standardized testing, based on years of experience in education.
The Complexity of Testing Practices
One significant issue highlighted by teachers is the overemphasis on standardized testing at the expense of classroom learning. As Kevin Kildea notes, the widespread use of standardized tests has led to a situation where 'the test' has taken precedence over teaching and learning. This shift has disrupted the balance and quality of education, leading to a loss of instructional time and focus on critical thinking skills.
Financial and Resource Implications
The financial implications of standardized testing are another significant factor. As a former teacher, I observed that budget constraints led to the dilution of test quality. In my state, the budget for tests remained constant, but as more tests became mandatory, the quality of these tests suffered. This not only wasted precious instructional time but also failed to provide useful information about student performance.
Quality and Bias in Testing Instruments
Writing effective standardized tests is a challenging and time-consuming task. As someone who briefly worked as an item writer, I now understand the complexities involved. There is a greater need to develop classroom assessments that provide more meaningful insights into a student's abilities. These classroom assessments can help teachers understand their students' needs more effectively, which is not an easy task.
Changes in Testing Purposes
The emergence of programs such as "Nation at Risk," "Goals 2000," "No Child Left Behind," and "Race to the Top" transformed the purpose and role of standardized tests. Initially designed to measure college readiness, these tests have evolved to serve as a measure of school performance and teacher effectiveness. This shift has led to high-stakes testing, which is neither beneficial nor reflective of true educational progress.
The Impact on Education
For years, educators have been grappling with the impact of standardized testing on education reform. Valarie Strauss, in her opinion piece for the Washington Post, succinctly highlighted the flaws of standardized testing. Annual standardized tests administered in March and early April do not provide teachers with the necessary insights to assess individual student needs.
No questions are released, and by the time the results are available in August or September, students have already moved on to new teachers. Therefore, the teachers receive no valuable information to help them improve their teaching or tailor their instruction to meet individual student needs. Instead, they are given scores that only rank students against each other and the state and national averages.
The Norming Process and Its Limitations
The norming process behind standardized tests also highlights their limitations. These tests are designed to operate within a bell curve, which means that certain scores will always fall at the bottom and top, regardless of the student's actual performance. This design ensures that achievement gaps will persist, as the bell curve's structure does not encourage a narrowing of these gaps. In contrast, licensing for activities like driving does not operate on a bell curve, allowing for a more equitable assessment system.
Lessons from Experience
As someone with 32 years of experience in education, I have seen firsthand how the overreliance on standardized testing can undermine the educational process. While there is no issue with testing to assess mastery, standardized testing has become a monster that has devoured much of the educational experience. It has led to a disregard for the broader goals of education, including fostering critical thinking and personalized learning.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that standardized testing is a tool, not a solution. The systems we use to measure student performance and school success should serve to enhance and support education. However, when these systems become the primary focus, they can detract from the quality of education and the well-being of our students. Until we see a shift that values the contributions of local communities, parents, teachers, and administrators, and provides the necessary resources, true educational reform will remain elusive.