Playtime in Tech Class
The Problem With Common Core and High Stakes TestingBy Meredith
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1Common Core StandardsMission StatementThe Common Core State
Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what
students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what
they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be
robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and
skills that our young people need for success in college and
careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our
communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the
global economy.High Stakes TestingDefinitionHigh-stakes test: A
single assessment that is given with the knowledge that important
decisions or consequences are riding on the result. (In other
words, the "stakes are high.") In education, these decisions often
relate to federal and local funding, placement and graduation
decisions or ongoing tenure for teachers.How do these relate to one
another?The Common Core Standards are measured by the use of high
stakes testing.In other words, teachers are teaching to simply pass
their students and to keep their jobs.This sounds like an easy task
because teachers know what they have to teach the students to get
them through but this poses many problems that need to brought to
the light for the sake of enjoyment of being an educator and being
educated.Internationally Benchmarked
Allow states to compare standardized test scores accuratelyAll
states share the same standards, so they can develop a like test to
meet their needs and split costs of test development
Allow teachers to monitor students progress throughout the
year.
Pros of Common CoreOnly have skills associated with
English-Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. There are currently no
science or social studies standards.Cuts creativity in the
classroomMakes it more difficult for teachers to meet every child
where they are at because of the list of things children must
know.
Decrease in physical activity in schools- increased
obesityChildren are pertaining a lack of social skills which is
highly needed to be college and career ready.Not much room to allow
children to create their own learning which is how they are able to
learn.
Cons of Common Core
Can allow the teacher to work harder in a specific area(s) that
her students fell short in.
As a parent, you can look at these results to see how well, or
poorly, your child's school is performing. Access to this
information will help you make more informed decisions about where
and how your child will get the best education.
Allows children to learn how to handle pressure, and developing
the skills and strategies necessary to meet the school's
expectations
Pros of High Stakes TestingCause any subject that isn't math or
language arts to be pushed out of the classroom. Subjects like
science, social studies and the arts are sacrificed to make time
for more test prepPressure on teachers can clamp down on creativity
and innovation. Thanks to pressure from the government, teachers
often feel compelled to "teach to the test
Increased pressure on parents and students is
counter-productiveCauses anxiety in students that should not have
to be felt at such a young ageStudents who may test poorly reflect
poorly on the teacher
Cons of High Stakes Testing
My StanceI see the importance in teaching the same content
across the nation but I do not want creativity to be completely
stifled.Children learn from playing and hands on experience and
with the push down curriculum theres not much room for that.
I want the children in my classroom to love learning and leave
ready for the next grade but I dont want them to dread school come
April because of the BIG tests.I think Common Core is fine to leave
and place but it shouldnt be measure by high-stakes testing.What
are we to do?Advocate:The act or process of supporting a cause or
proposalResearch this more on your own to become informed and
create your own opinion. Get VocalThe Government claims to be for
the people, lets show them what the people really want and care
about.Talk to local administrators about how you feelBe confident
in what you want and dont back down.
In the ClassroomEnjoy being an educatorEncourage your
studentsGive them assurance that they are valuableLet them know
that test scores do not determine their worthTell them that you
love that they are learning and working hard and that they should
be confident when approaching a high stakes testTeach the
curriculum but be creativeFind ways to allow children to create
their own learning while learning the content in a fun and exciting
way.
References and
Resourceshttp://www.education.com/magazine/article/high-stakes-testing-pros-cons/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advocacyhttp://childparenting.about.com/od/schoollearning/a/high-stakes-tests-definition.htmhttp://teaching.about.com/od/assess/f/What-Are-Some-Pros-And-Cons-Of-The-Common-Core-Standards.htm
