Testing Testing

So this is the week of math testing for NYS.

And I hear it all the time about how all this testing is going to be good.

It's going to improve the teachers - their classroom instruction will get better as a result of the tests.

And student achievement will go up.

I heard this from the school psychologist.

Then I opened my mouth and never heard another word from them.

I said, "I'd like to read a peer-reviewed study that shows that all this testing will improve instruction and achievement."

They turned around and walked away from me without saying a word.

There was nothing to be said.

Because the needed information - a peer reviewed study - doesn't exist.
Anywhere.
Texas' improvement was found to be a fraud.  All the low achieving students dropped out of the school system and went into GED (Graduation Equivalence Diploma) Programs or just disappeared into the unskilled labor workforce.  Do the math - It explains the improvement. 

We've been doing all this testing since 2002-2003.  And there is no proof that it does anything but take up time and spend valuable tax dollars on exams that do ... what exactly?

And I'm sending students out that have been tested since third grade and they are requiring remedial classes in college - math, writing/composition, and reading/literature.  These are high school level courses taught in the college.  No credit - just additional college tuition and debt.

I thought all this testing was going to solve that?
Why is it getting worse?

Then again,  I had a student give up on day one of the English portion of the test last week.  He didn't even finish the test.  He told the principal he didn't care about it when he was asked about why the test was left unfinished.

How is testing going to solve that problem?
Or is he one of the ones that is supposed to go to the GED Program?
And is that really a solution for the so called "education crisis?"

Socialists support the Opt-Out Movement.
This is demoralizing for students and teachers and shows little of what they are capable of.

It is also a waste of money that could be used to purchase new materials,  class supplies,  or hire more teachers.   The last choice would decrease class sizes.  And that has been shown to improve instruction.

Let's make some real educational goals.

Update:  1:27 PM
I haven't looked at the test,  but from what I hear from the proctors - it's a mess.
The questions are confusing and unclear.
One said that they could comfortably answer about 5 questions.
Of course the math teachers could figure out all the answers.

Update April 14 2016
I was talking to a dental hygienist  yesterday and her  daughter came home and sat in her bedroom with a migraine because of the test.  She was afraid that if she didn't take the test that her teacher was going to be punished.

The parent has the letter all signed.  The student does not want to turn it in.

NYS needs to make it clear - There is no consequence to teachers if students opt out.