Changing the Test - Not so much

State Education Commissioner Elia has announced the following changes to mandated testing in NYS:

• Fewer questions
• Unlimited time
• No impact on teacher evaluations until 2019

Her claim is that she went on a listening tour to find out what was wrong with the tests and why in the realm of 20% (mostly in wealthier, suburban districts) opted out.

So she made changes to the tests and she has made some errors.

First was her premise: That there is value in the tests. I have yet to find a study that shows that this type of testing shows anything about a student's entire year of education. Zilch.

The whole “Texas miracle” was proven to be a sham by researchers. All the testing did was drive low achieving students into GED programs so that the teachers could focus on higher achieving students.

Second was that students wanted to take the tests. Outside of one specific learning style, students don't like tests at all. Given a choice between tests and projects, students prefer projects. And furthermore, projects show the type of thinking that employers want. (Would someone please show me the multiple choice, short answer, and essay test that their employer recently gave them? Please?)

And in order for the teachers to use the information that the tests supposedly show, they need the results within a week. That's less than 7 days. As it is, no one will see results until August, which is tool ate to do anything with except line a recycling bin. The information is basically worthless. This includes the teachers in the grades that the students are being promoted to. ( I had one teacher tell me that the students tested weak in one skill but when she checked them in the classroom, the skill was just fine.)

The unlimited time is a joke. I've never seen a student use all the time. This includes “Special Education” students that receive time and a half to double time. One student finished the entire test in 25 minutes and then sat around drawing in the test book until I was able to let them turn in their exam and leave the room for a secure study hall. (There is a minimum time they have to stay in the testing location before they can leave.)

Last,and not least, is the “no impact on teacher evaluations” until 2019. How about none at all? And New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) needs to begin this fight now. Not in 2019 when the plans for how these illegitimate tests will be used against teachers will be rolled out. Now. I asked my union president what actions we were going to take to end the use of these exams on evaluation. I was told “none.”

We need to start fighting now. The state knows that teachers are afraid of what is coming down the pipe and they will do everything to reassure us that t won't be bad. After NYSUT snubbed Governor “Status” Cuomo in the 2014 election, he's going to get his revenge any way he can. Suspending the use of exams on evaluations is a way to trick the union into complacency and get them to support him in his 2018 election. 2019 is his revenge for 2014.

Think I'm wrong? Look at how Reagan treated all the blue collar workers that voted for him in the 1980 elections. Look at what he did to the unions and working class. “Status” Cuomo is no fool. He's waiting his time and will take his swipe when he gets a chance.

As socialists we say:

1. NO to mandated testing

2. NO to punishing teachers with test scores

Education is supposed to inspire students.

Instead it's depressing them.

And we wonder why students hate school.