Are schools trying to apply challenging goals that focus on deeper learning by using an old testing model? The old state tests are antiquated and need replaced by the new Common Core Standards assessments. New standards and an old accountability model don’t fit our education’s growing needs. The old test does not allow for problem solving, inquiry, team building, and collaboration like Common Core expects.
If you expect accountability from today’s high stakes tests to be better education, think again. The new model of state testing must be supportive to education and improve today’s educational needs. Students and teachers need a curriculum, teaching methods, and assessments that are based on problem solving and meaning making. It must include resources that build a challenging content base.
The states that still have the testing system from NCLB supported by Race to the Top holds students back by allowing schools not to issue diplomas or keep students in the same grade for not making the expected scores. It has even gone so far as to deny teacher raises, get teachers fired, and close schools. After more than 10 years of data, one would realize that it has not worked.
The state of California has focused its educational goals on what the students need and what the parents’ want – good teaching, productive learning, and resources that support the curriculum. The Governor of California allotted $1.25 billion for the professional development of teachers to support their ability to teach the Common Core. California leaders also eliminated all the antiquated state tests to bring in the new Common Core assessments.
How precise is the assessment and how accurate is the analysis? In Albany, two members of the State Board of Regents questioned the quality of New York’s Common-Core test. Regent Kathleen Cashin accused the education department of ignoring educators that feel the questions are developmentally inappropriate or unclear. Kathleen has requested that more of the questions be released or hire an outside evaluator to determine the validity of the results. The New York State Department likes the high-stake assessments and responded by stating, “they provide plenty of data for evaluating students, teachers, and schools for driving instruction.”
Other states are reconsidering Common Core. According to the September 10, 2014 issue of the Charlotte Observer, North Carolina recommended replacing Common Core with state education standards. Republican lawmakers want standards that ‘meet North Carolina’s needs.’ It makes me wonder how Republicans know what the students and teachers need especially since the state has spent millions of dollars to train teachers and implement the new standards that went into the classrooms in 2012. It just seems that getting rid of Common Core is not a smart decision. Originally, NC State Senator Tillman was the primary sponsor fo test development related to Common Core – so, what happened?
The Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association developed Common Core. When first introduced, there was little controversy. With politicians involved, Common Core is now confused with curriculum, which was not the intent. The teachers in North Carolina, as well as other states, need stability in planning lessons and classroom procedures. Let’s support good teaching and not continuously start over. What is important to our transient society today is that assessments need to match Common Core Standards. Consistency across the state and country is a growing need. Train teachers on understanding and implementing the standards and assessment into the classroom to ensure that cohesiveness. Let’s all follow California’s lead.
