Re: Equity in Educational Assessment

From: edequity@phoenix.edc.org
Date: Mon Mar 06 2000 - 11:46:15 EST


Kathleen,
I agree that there seems to be an imbalance happening and we are losing the
intent of the standards and in some cases, good instructional practices.
Teachers are feeling the need to "cover" instead of go in-depth with
content because of the value being palced on state and national level
assessments. I also am seeing classroom assessment not valued and often
there is a great misunderstanding about quality classroom assessment.
Quality classroom based instruction receives lip service because the
educational community is spending so much time focusing on state/national
level assessment.

I am also very concerned about the emphasis being placed on reading,
science and math. Of course I want all students to excel in these areas
but what else does our society need to help our students understand and be
knowledgable in for the next century? If the standards movement succeeds,
we will have all students with high levels of skill and understanding in
reading, science & math. Is that all our society and the world needs of
its citizens? In a time when our nation's social fabric is unraveling,
student's are feeling alienated from adults and their communities,
invention of new technologies create advances along with ethical and moral
dilemmas, a materialistic culture that is
finding its way around the world that is quickly shrinking and resources
being depleted at an astonishing rate, do we really think being proficient
in reading, science and math is enough? Shouldn't we also be showing a
value for other "noneconomic" driven skills? How do we help students
connect, form relationships, learn about their place in the world, find
themselves, learn to appreciate and value those who do not share their
beliefs, learn to relate to and value people for various economic status
groups, help heal others and the environment, help prepare students to lead
sustainable lifes within communities? Is it only about preparing students
for the world of work? No other century is going to demand the skills of
dealing with conflict, relationships, understanding diversity and learning
how to respond to a stressed planet.

I also would like to ask the question-When will we learn to appreciate and
understand each person has skills and qualities that society needs? Why
do we make those folks such as custodians or struggling artists feel like
their work is less important than those in pro-baseball or engineers,
lawyers, educators,etc.? Don't we need them all? I am not supporting
maintaining the status quo in education or supporting the idea that "Johnny
is doing the best he can because he comes from Johnny's family" It is this
very mentality that caused me to not only accept but embrace the standards
movement with fervor.
As I watch implementation unfold in the classrooms, and watch the political
and social agendas begin to take hold, and recognize the impact of high
stakes assessments on students,etc., I am seeing the focus on equity begin
to carry a different spirit and intent.

My question remains- If all students meet or succeed in the core academic
standards (reading, math & science), will this be enough? Will academic
knowledge, processes and skills in the core areas be enough to help heal
the social fabric within local communities, the society & world? Will
students meeting or exceeding these standards mean they are experiencing a
decrease in their feeling of alienation? Will these standards help
students form relationships, feel valued and connected to society or create
more of a divide by placing such an imbalance on the role & value of
state/national assessments that rank and categorize students, schools and
communities according to a set of narrow economic based values. I have
watched educators who are strong enough to question these narrow values be
severely and publicly reprimanded.
Are we still paying attention to democratic principles? Are these
principles still important to our society? Our society is moving beyond the
easy measurable, quick fix solution, when will the politicians understand
this? I hope we all rethink education's place soon, for our children's
sake.

Debby King
dkingshl@pop.k12.vt.us



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