After asking many people what they thought about standardized testing, the majority came back negative:
"Standardized testing in Texas puts a TON of pressure on teachers to prepare their students to do well on the tests, NOT to teach them things they should actually be learning. It's a huge hinderance to learning." -Matthew, Commerce.
"I say no. I believe it puts too much pressure on students and teachers. I definitely believe that it should not be a key factor in whether you graduate or not. Some students do great in school but terribly on tests." -Josh, Callisburg.
"Nay. The standardized testing forces teachers to teach to the test (the state uses the test results for accountability so there is no avoiding this). The tests do not and are not representative of educating kids to be productive members of society when they graduate. I have my MEd and have 15 years of public school experience for my opinion." -Teri, Grand Prairie.
"NO! It makes life hard. Plus I don't think it's fair to be judged on one day, rather than the whole school year." -Philip, Commerce.
"Testing is necessary to see if the children are learning what they are supposed to be learning. It also holds teachers accountable- which is a good thing. The lengths ,however, to which our state goes is a bit drastic. The emphasis should be on the curriculum, not the test for it. We seem to have our priorities somewhat backwards. What we have,though, is what we have. Trying to approach it in a positive way is probably the best approach for everyone involved."-Patty, Cumby
There were a few comments that went the other direction, however, including this one:
"... [Parents who opt their students out] might be protecting their kids, but they are ultimately hurting their schools. Most parents that opt out are the perfects of kids that will actually pass the test. When those kids don't take it, they really become non-passers, that hurts the accountability of the schools and I think that's bad for the community." -P., Hunt County
Listen as Daniel Starks and Mark Haslett discuss the matter on this week's edition of The Morning Bell.
