Recently, a group of educators has come forward anonymously to voice their concerns regarding the standardized testing implemented in New York during 2016. Over the past two weeks, students have been subjected to state-mandated Common Core assessments in English Language Arts and mathematics. Reports have surfaced of multiple issues, including inaccuracies in the test materials and questions that far exceed the appropriate grade levels for the students.
One teacher, who runs a blog titled “The Testing Dilemma,” compiled a series of anonymous comments from fellow educators expressing their frustrations regarding the New York state testing debacle. The insights shared are alarming, given that similar testing practices are prevalent across the United States.
Educators Speak Out
A teacher who recently proctored a third-grade exam in New York City remarked, “The initial question about the passage involving a ‘sniff’ was impossible to answer. It made no sense. I consulted four other teachers, and they were just as confused. Many of the questions seemed misleading, and I genuinely believe there was no definitive answer!” Thankfully, my own third grader is spared from this ordeal.
Another educator noted, “In sixth grade, we had a poem included in the test from the 17th century that our teachers only read in COLLEGE. It was at an 11th-grade level.”
Many students spent hours on these assessments, with one teacher reporting that five of her fourth graders endured three hours on a single test, missing out on their snack and special activities. “In the third-grade exam, there was an excerpt from a biography of Neil deGrasse Tyson that was clearly above the reading level for eight- and nine-year-olds, likely suited for fifth or sixth graders,” one teacher shared, expressing outrage for the students involved.
Katie Thompson, an ESL teacher in New York, criticized the third-grade ELA test as “developmentally inappropriate, confusing, and overly complex.” Although she cannot discuss the specifics of the test, she emphasizes her ongoing outrage regarding the testing practices. “The tests are excessively long,” she states, echoing the sentiments of her colleagues about students sitting for hours on end without completing the exams.
The Impact on Students
It’s disheartening to see so many teachers expressing that these assessments are poorly designed and executed. They argue that it’s time to listen to educators who are deeply concerned about the impact of such testing on their students. As a parent of a third grader currently navigating the New York state math test, it’s troubling to learn that many educators feel these high-pressure situations are inappropriate for young children.
While I had the option to opt my daughter out of these tests, she insisted on participating, believing them to be crucial. After all, her teacher’s performance is evaluated based on student scores. Fortunately, my husband and I have reassured her that her worth is not defined by test results and that her abilities extend well beyond any score. However, not every child shares this perspective, and the stress of prolonged testing can be overwhelming for many.
After her second day of math testing, I plan to casually inquire about her experience. I’ll be interested to see if she took my advice of writing out song lyrics if she felt stuck, rather than stressing over unanswered questions for too long. If the state fails to treat her as the eight-year-old she is, it’s up to us to advocate for her well-being.
Resources for Parents
For those navigating similar journeys, resources like Healthline provide excellent guidance on pregnancy and home insemination. For more information on self-insemination methods, check out Make a Mom, which offers valuable insights as an authority on this topic. And if you’re looking for an at-home insemination kit, visit Make a Mom for helpful options.
Summary
Educators are raising serious concerns about standardized testing in New York, citing issues such as confusing content and excessive test lengths that are developmentally inappropriate for young students. Parents are increasingly worried about the stress these tests create for their children, highlighting the need for change in the testing approach.
Keyphrase: standardized testing issues
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]