Garfield High School teachers say “NO!” to high stakes testing | Seattle Education

Garfield High School teachers say “NO!” to high stakes testing | Seattle Education:

Garfield High School teachers say “NO!” to high stakes testing

by seattleducation2011

In an unprecedented move, and hopefully the first of many around the country, Garfield High School teachers have taken a stand against high stakes testing which in Seattle is the MAP test.

Here is a portion of the press release:

            “Our teachers have come together and agree that the MAP test is not good for our students, nor is it an appropriate or useful tool in measuring progress,” says Kris McBride, who serves as Academic Dean and Testing Coordinator at Garfield.  “Additionally, students don’t take it seriously.  It produces specious results, and wreaks havoc on limited school resources during the weeks and weeks the test is administered.”

            McBride explained that the MAP test, which stands for Measure of Academic Progress, is administered two to three times each year to 9^th grade students as well as those receiving extra support services.  The students are told the test will have no impact on their grades or class standing, and, because of 

Letter of Support for Garfield HIgh School teachers from Diane Ravitch

by seattleducation2011

To the Teachers of Seattle: Congratulations on taking a stand against the misuse and abuse of standardized testing. Congratulations for defending the ethics of genuine education. Congratulations on supporting your students’ right to good education, not just endless testing. Congratulations for supporting true professionalism. Congratulations for displaying courage, wisdom, intelligence, and integrity! That is an [...]