In recent years, the landscape of public education has shifted dramatically. Gone are the days filled with enriching field trips, extended lesson plans, and leisurely study periods. Instead, students are now inundated with a relentless barrage of tests. This has led to heightened stress levels for students, teachers, and parents alike. Among those speaking out is one passionate mom who feels we must take action.
Adrian H. Wood, a mother, writer, and former educator, runs a blog titled Tales of an Educated Debutante. She eloquently articulates the frustrations many parents share regarding the current testing culture in public schools through a powerful Facebook post that has gained significant traction. She opens with a powerful plea: “Stop the madness of EOGs.”
In her post, Adrian recounts a heart-wrenching phone call from her third-grade son, who found himself in the school nurse’s office, tears streaming down his face. He expressed discomfort, stating his jaw was in pain. When offered the option to come home, he hesitated, fearing he might miss the End-of-Grade (EOG) tests. “If I don’t pass, I won’t go to fourth grade,” he told her.
This scenario highlights a troubling reality: a young child feels compelled to endure illness for the sake of standardized testing. The sheer weight of this situation is staggering. Adrian reassured her son that he would indeed move up to the next grade, but she couldn’t help but wonder, “How did it come to this?”
She raises a crucial question: How did our education system evolve into one that prioritizes testing over creativity and holistic learning? How did we create an environment wherein children experience significant stress surrounding these standardized assessments?
Adrian shares her efforts to alleviate her son’s anxiety, including conversations with his teacher and the principal. She has actively engaged with various educational authorities, including the state’s superintendent and lawmakers, voicing her concerns. “I can’t find anyone who supports these tests or explains their benefits,” she emphasizes. “We hear about growth, but what does that even mean? The top schools don’t grow, so what’s the point?”
She continues, “What message are we sending to our children? How will they remember their elementary years? Will it be the amazing educators who inspired them or the endless tests that overshadowed their learning experience?”
The statistics regarding standardized testing are alarming. According to a report by the Council of Great City Schools, students undergo an average of 112 tests from pre-K through high school—not including additional assessments like diagnostic tests for disabilities or English learners. On average, students take around eight standardized tests each year, coupled with the extensive preparation that schools undertake.
So, what can parents do to advocate for change? As Adrian’s heartfelt message indicates, it begins with raising our voices. “Please share your experiences with anyone willing to listen, especially those who may not want to,” she urges. “Fifty years ago, advocates fought for the integration of children of color into schools. A decade later, others fought for the rights of children with disabilities to access public education. Today, I implore you to say no to EOGs.”
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In summary, Adrian’s emotional plea shines a light on the pressing issues surrounding standardized testing in our education system. Her story resonates with countless parents who share her frustrations, urging a collective voice for meaningful change. As our children’s education is at stake, it’s crucial to advocate for a system that nurtures creativity and reduces undue stress.